The California Water Commission (CWC) is implementing Chapter 8 of the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1), and developing a competitive process to allocate bond funds for the public benefits of qualified water storage projects. The public benefits include ecosystem improvements, water quality improvements, flood control benefits, emergency response, and recreation. The CWC is developing a Water Storage Investment Program to develop reliable measures of the public benefits and ensure that selected projects provide the maximum return for the public investment. The Water Storage Investment Program represents an important opportunity to invest in the future of California.
As one of the first steps in developing the Water Storage Investment Program, the CWC has initiated an initial scoping survey to collect cursory information about potential water storage projects from project proponents that may request Proposition 1 funding. The survey requests general agency and project information such as project type, anticipated completion dates for feasibility studies and environmental documentation, permit requirements, potential public benefits provided, project cost, and potential funding partners. The CWC will use this information in the development of the regulations, guidelines, and implementation process.
Agencies that have a water storage project under consideration which may qualify for Proposition 1 funding are urged to complete this initial scoping survey and to submit the information by March 11, 2015.
While some information about potential storage projects exists from previous surveys conducted by the CWC and Department of Water Resources, the CWC is asking for help gathering information specific to this program. The survey does not constitute an application for funding, and is not a requirement for future funding, or participating in the program, but will be useful to identify the number and kinds of water storage projects and their public benefits that are under consideration throughout the State.
For more information on the CWC, the Water Storage Investment Program, and how to get involved, click here.