Existing law authorizes the Director of Water Resources to establish a program of flood control and urban creek restoration, known as the Urban Streams Restoration Program, consisting of the development of the capability by the Department of Water Resources to respond to requests from local agencies and organizations for planning and design assistance for efficient and effective urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.

This bill, upon an appropriation of funds from the Legislature, would require the department to establish a program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements by providing technical and financial assistance in support of projects with certain benefits. The bill would require the program to support the purposes of and be coordinated with the Urban Streams Restoration Program, fish passage improvements, and other similar programs. The bill would authorize the department to provide technical assistance, including by collaborating with other state agencies, appropriate California State University or University of California programs, or other similar programs, as specified. The bill would authorize grant funds available for the purposes of the Urban Streams Restoration Program or this program to be available for use by the recipient for design, engineering, and other technical assistance for the purposes of the program.

Existing law authorizes the Director of Water Resources to establish a program of flood control and urban creek restoration, known as the Urban Streams Restoration Program, consisting of the development of the capability by the Department of Water Resources to respond to requests from local agencies and organizations for planning and design assistance for efficient and effective urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.

This bill, upon an appropriation of funds from the Legislature, would require the department to establish a program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements by providing technical and financial assistance in support of projects with certain benefits. The bill would require the program to support the purposes of and be coordinated with the Urban Streams Restoration Program, fish passage improvements, and other similar programs. The bill would authorize the department to provide technical assistance, including by collaborating with other state agencies, appropriate California State University or University of California programs, or other similar programs, as specified. The bill would authorize grant funds available for the purposes of the Urban Streams Restoration Program or this program to be available for use by the recipient for design, engineering, and other technical assistance for the purposes of the program.

Existing law authorizes the Director of Water Resources to establish a program of flood control and urban creek restoration, known as the Urban Streams Restoration Program, consisting of the development of the capability by the Department of Water Resources to respond to requests from local agencies and organizations for planning and design assistance for efficient and effective urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.

This bill, upon an appropriation of funds from the Legislature, would require the department to establish a program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements by providing technical and financial assistance in support of projects with certain benefits. The bill would require the program to support the purposes of and be coordinated with the Urban Stream Restoration Program, fish passage improvements, and other similar programs. The bill would authorize the department to provide technical assistance, including by collaborating with other state agencies, appropriate California State University or University of California programs, or other similar programs, as specified. The bill would authorize grant funds available for the purposes of the Urban Streams Restoration Program or this program to be available for use by the recipient for design, engineering, and other technical assistance for the purposes of the program.

Existing law authorizes the Director of Water Resources to establish a program of flood control and urban creek restoration, known as the Urban Streams Restoration Program, consisting of the development of the capability by the Department of Water Resources to respond to requests from local agencies and organizations for planning and design assistance for efficient and effective urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.

This bill, upon an appropriation of funds from the Legislature, would require the department to establish a program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements by providing technical and financial assistance in support of projects with certain benefits. The bill would require the program to support the purposes of and be coordinated with the Urban Stream Restoration Program, fish passage improvements, and other similar programs. The bill would authorize the department to provide technical assistance, including by collaborating with appropriate California State University or University of California programs, as specified.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

Bill No: SB 667

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-2, 4/25/17

AYES: Hertzberg, Allen, Atkins, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Stern

NOES: Stone, Vidak

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 5-2, 5/25/17

AYES: Lara, Beall, Bradford, Hill, Wiener

NOES: Bates, Nielsen

SENATE FLOOR: 27-12, 5/31/17

AYES: Allen, Atkins, Beall, Bradford, De León, Dodd, Galgiani, Glazer, Hernandez, Hertzberg, Hill, Hueso, Jackson, Lara, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Mitchell, Monning, Newman, Nguyen, Pan, Roth, Skinner, Stern, Wieckowski, Wiener

NOES: Anderson, Bates, Berryhill, Cannella, Fuller, Gaines, Moorlach, Morrell, Nielsen, Stone, Vidak, Wilk

NO VOTE RECORDED: Portantino

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 55-22, 9/12/17 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill codifies the Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Program at the Department of Water Resources, subject to an appropriation of funds.

Assembly Amendments

add resource conservation districts and nonprofits as eligible entities and make other clarifying changes.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Authorizes, since 1982, the Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) at the Department of Water Resources (DWR) (Water Code Section 7048). Through this program, DWR works with local agencies and nonprofits to plan and design projects related to urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.
2. Recognizes, pursuant to AB 965 (E. Garcia, Chapter 668, Statutes of 2015), that in amending Section 7048 of the Water Code, the Legislature stated that the restoration of urban creek channels may improve water quality, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and provide public recreation along river parkways. That bill also recognized the potential for the USRP to benefit cross-border waterway restoration along the Mexican-Californian border.
3. Acknowledges that in 2016, DWR undertook an initiative through a budget change proposal to merge the USRP with other existing programs to enhance fish passage, restore river processes, and protect riparian corridors while ensuring that economic and social needs in impacted communities are met. The combined program is called the Riverine Stewardship Program and it provides technical and financial assistance with planning, design, construction, and project evaluation, depending on the availability of funds. This program is included for funding in the two parks bonds that are alive in this session of the Legislature.

This bill codifies the Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Program at DWR, subject to an appropriation of funds.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, there are significant cost pressures, likely in the millions (bond funds or special fund), to fund the program. Unknown cost for DWR to administer the program, likely set at five percent by funding source.

SUPPORT: (Verified 9/12/17)

California Association of Professional Scientists

California Urban Streams Partnership

Environmental Defense Fund

Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks

The San Diego River Park Foundation

OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/12/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, the years of work on stream restoration has not always coordinated environmental benefits with water quality and water supply and has sometimes focused disproportionately on regional priorities (Sierra or Coastal ranges, or Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, as examples.) The author points out that the watershed work in urbanized areas can significantly enhance water quality, natural resource conservation, and public health, provided that the programs and funding are focused on these multi-benefit objectives.

The author further states that under this bill, the state and local stakeholders would engage early in the design process and remain involved throughout the construction, operation, and evaluation of the project. Projects would be designed to protect natural stream processes, but also to consider low impact development, energy and water conservation, and community access.

According to the California Association of Professional Scientists, Environmental Defense Fund, and other supporters, this bill allows DWR to continue to provide financial and technical assistance.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 55-22, 9/12/17

AYES: Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Daly, Eggman, Frazier, Friedman, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Medina, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, O'Donnell, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Weber, Wood, Rendon

NOES: Acosta, Travis Allen, Bigelow, Brough, Chávez, Chen, Choi, Cunningham, Dahle, Flora, Fong, Gallagher, Harper, Kiley, Lackey, Mathis, Mayes, Melendez, Obernolte, Patterson, Voepel, Waldron

NO VOTE RECORDED: McCarty, Steinorth

Prepared by:

9/13/17 10:19:31

**** END ****

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SB 667

Author:(Atkins)

As Amended Ver:June 20, 2017

Majority vote

SENATE VOTE: 27-12

SUMMARY: Codifies the Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Program (Program) in the Department of Water Resources (DWR), subject to an appropriation of funds by the Legislature. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the DWR establish the Program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements in support of projects that reduce flood risk, restore fish populations, improve water quality, achieve climate change benefits, and in general ensure resilient ecological functions emphasizing urban or urbanizing areas.
2. Requires the Program to support the purposes of, and be coordinated with, the Urban Stream Restoration Program (USRP), fish passage improvements, and other similar programs to accomplish increased ecological, stream management, climate, and community improvement benefits.
3. Requires the Program to support partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and others to meet watershed restoration objectives.
4. Authorizes early engagement and continued involvement on a project by the DWR to provide planning and design assistance using the best bioengineering and ecological practices, while considering low-impact development, energy and water conservation, and community access and use for local recreation.
5. Outlines the monitoring and evaluation component, and allows the program to include assistance with project administration.
6. Authorizes the DWR to provide technical assistance through collaboration with other state agencies, the California State University and University of California systems to provide educational and field experience for students.
7. Permits grant funds available for the USRP or the Program to be available for use by the recipient for design, engineering and other technical assistance.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes the USRP at the DWR to work with local agencies and nonprofits to plan and design projects related to urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.
2. Creates obligations to resolve barriers to anadromous fish migration, protect threatened and endangered fish, reduce flood risk, and increase environmental restoration.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

1. Ongoing significant cost pressures, likely in the low tens of millions of dollars (bond funds or special fund), to fund the Program.
2. Unknown costs for the DWR to administer the Program, likely 5% of the total appropriation.

COMMENTS: The DWR administers the USRP, which provides grants to local communities for projects to reduce flooding and erosion and associated property damage; restore, enhance or protect the natural ecological values of streams; and promote community involvement, education and stewardship.

Since 1985, the program has provided more than $50 million in 270 grants ranging from $1,000 to $1 million to communities throughout California. The projects have included stream cleanups, bank stabilization projects, revegetation efforts, recontouring of channels to improve floodplain function, and occasional acquisition of strategic floodplain properties or easements.

The DWR manages the Fish Passage Improvement Program (FPIP) which identifies and evaluates the potential to modify or remove structures in waterways that impede the migration of anadromous fish. Several other mandates require an integrated approach to climate change, flood risk and natural resource management.

In 2016, through a budget change proposal, the DWR initiated the Program to be a combination of the existing FPIP with the USRP. The Program is intended to build off of the successes of the FPIP and the USRP to allow the combined expertise of these programs to achieve a greater ability to realize multiple-benefit projects. Neither the USRP nor the FPIP currently have funding.

Analysis Prepared by: Ryan Ojakian / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0001694

Date of Hearing: July 19, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 667

Author:(Atkins) – As Amended Ver:June 20, 2017

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill codifies the Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Program (Program) in the Department of Water Resources (DWR), and requires DWR to establish a grant program, subject to the appropriation of funds by the Legislature. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires DWR to establish the Program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements in support of projects that reduce flood risk, restore fish populations, improve water quality, achieve climate change benefits, and in general ensure resilient ecological functions emphasizing urban or urbanizing areas.
2. Requires the Program to support the purposes of, and be coordinated with, the Urban Stream Restoration Program (USRP), fish passage improvements, and other similar programs as specified.
3. Requires the Program to support partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and others to meet watershed restoration objectives.
4. Authorizes early engagement and continued involvement on a project by DWR to provide planning and design assistance as specified.
5. Outlines the monitoring and evaluation component, and allows the Program to include assistance with project administration.
6. Authorizes the DWR to provide technical assistance through collaboration with other state agencies, the California State University, and University of California systems to provide educational and field experience for students.
7. Permits grant funds available for the USRP or the Program to be available for use by the recipient for design, engineering and other technical assistance.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Ongoing significant cost pressures, likely in the low tens of millions of dollars (bond funds or special fund), to fund the Program.
2. Unknown costs for the DWR to administer the Program, likely 5% of the total appropriation.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose and Background. DWR administers the USRP, which provides grants to local communities for projects to reduce flooding and erosion and associated property damage; restore, enhance or protect the natural ecological values of streams; and promote community involvement, education and stewardship.

Since 1985, the program has provided more than $50 million in 270 grants ranging from $1,000 to $1 million to communities throughout California. The projects have included stream cleanups, bank stabilization projects, revegetation efforts, recontouring of channels to improve floodplain function, and the occasional acquisition of strategic floodplain properties or easements.

DWR also manages the Fish Passage Improvement Program (FPIP) which identifies and evaluates the potential to modify or remove structures in waterways that impede the migration of anadromous fish. Several other mandates require an integrated approach to climate change, flood risk and natural resource management.

In 2016, through a budget change proposal, the DWR initiated the Program to be a combination of the existing FPIP with the USRP. The Program is intended to build off of the successes of the FPIP and the USRP to allow the combined expertise of these programs to achieve a greater ability to realize multiple-benefit projects. Neither the USRP nor the FPIP currently have funding.

According to the author, “The Program will provide technical and financial assistance with planning, design, construction and project evaluation, as needed and to the extent funds are available.”

1. Prior Legislation. AB 965 (E. Garcia), Chapter 668, Statutes of 2015, amended the USRP to recognize that the restoration of urban creek channels may improve water quality, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and provide public recreation along river parkways.

Analysis Prepared by: Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 27, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE

Eduardo Garcia, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 667

Author:(Atkins) – As Amended Ver:June 20, 2017

SENATE VOTE: 27-12

SUBJECT: Department of Water Resources: riverine and riparian stewardship improvements

SUMMARY: Codifies the Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Program (Program) in the Department of Water Resources (DWR), subject to an appropriation of funds by the Legislature. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the DWR establish the Program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements in support of projects that reduce flood risk, restore fish populations, improve water quality, achieve climate change benefits, and in general ensure resilient ecological functions emphasizing urban or urbanizing areas.
2. Requires the Program to support the purposes of, and be coordinated with, the Urban Stream Restoration Program (USRP), fish passage improvements, and other similar programs to accomplish increased ecological, stream management, climate, and community improvement benefits.
3. Requires the Program to support partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and others to meet watershed restoration objectives.
4. Authorizes early engagement and continued involvement on a project by the DWR to provide planning and design assistance using the best bioengineering and ecological practices, while considering low-impact development, energy and water conservation, and community access and use for local recreation.
5. Outlines the monitoring and evaluation component, and allows the program to include assistance with project administration.
6. Authorizes the DWR to provide technical assistance through collaboration with other state agencies, the California State University, and University of California systems to provide educational and field experience for students.
7. Permits grant funds available for the USRP or the Program to be available for use by the recipient for design, engineering and other technical assistance.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes the USRP at the DWR to work with local agencies and nonprofits to plan and design projects related to urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.
2. Creates obligations to resolve barriers to anadromous fish migration, protect threatened and endangered fish, reduce flood risk, and increase environmental restoration.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee significant cost pressures to fund the Program.

COMMENTS: Codifies the Program in the DWR, subject to an appropriation of funds by the Legislature.

Author’s Statement:

There is evidence that waterways in urbanized areas can significantly enhance water supply, water quality, natural resource conservation and human health, if programs and funding exist to facilitate collaboration and partnerships to accomplish multi-benefit improvements. Since 1982 the USRP in the Department of Water Resources has provided grants and technical assistance that have empowered communities to address local stream needs by creating ecologically functioning waterways, managing stormwater and enhancing aesthetic, recreational and wildlife values.

In 2016, the Department undertook an initiative to merge the USRP with other existing programs to enhance fish passage, restore river processes and protect riparian corridors, while ensuring that economic and social needs in impacted communities are met. The Program would provide technical and financial assistance with planning, design, construction and project evaluation, as needed and to the extent funds are available.

Background: The DWR administers the USRP, which provides grants to local communities for projects to reduce flooding and erosion and associated property damage; restore, enhance or protect the natural ecological values of streams; and promote community involvement, education and stewardship.

Since 1985, the program has provided more than $50 million in 270 grants ranging from $1,000 to $1 million to communities throughout California. The projects have included stream cleanups, bank stabilization projects, revegetation efforts, recontouring of channels to improve floodplain function, and occasional acquisition of strategic floodplain properties or easements.

The DWR manages the Fish Passage Improvement Program (FPIP) which identifies and evaluates the potential to modify or remove structures in waterways that impede the migration of anadromous fish. Several other mandates require an integrated approach to climate change, flood risk and natural resource management.

In 2016, through a budget change proposal, the DWR initiated the Program to be a combination of the existing FPIP with the USRP. The Program is intended to build off of the successes of the FPIP and the USRP to allow the combined expertise of these programs to achieve a greater ability to realize multiple-benefit projects.

Neither the USRP nor the FPIP currently have funding. The Program may be eligible for funding in the two parks bonds pending hearing in Senate and Assembly Policy Committees.

Prior and Related Legislation: AB 965 (E. Garcia), 2015, Chapter 668, amended the USRP to recognize that the restoration of urban creek channels may improve water quality, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and provide public recreation along river parkways.

Supporting Arguments: While the state has long supported and helped fund projects to restore streams and riparian wildlife habitat, improve fish passage and water quality, and manage stormwater, these efforts often could be improved through better coordination with interested parties. This bill builds on the recent DWR Program initiative to merge several waterway restoration programs into a more helpful program by combining potential capital assistance with in kind and/or financial technical assistance to communities desiring the multi-benefits that can come from local stream improvements. The bill is a significant step and could go a long way in helping smaller community organizations play a role in helping communities reap the wide range of resource, economic and social benefits that can come from stream restoration.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Association of Professional Scientists

California ReLeaf

California Trout

California Watershed Network

Dry Creek Conservancy

Environmental Defense Fund, The

Environmental Justice Coalition for Water: Water Justice for All

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks

Noya Headlands Unified Design Group, Fort Bragg

River Partners

Sacramento Area Creeks Council

San Diego River Park Foundation

San Diego Unified Port District

Southern California Watershed Alliance

The Trust for Public Lands

Valley Foothill Watersheds Collaborative

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Ryan Ojakian / W., P., & W. /

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 667

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-2, 4/25/17

AYES: Hertzberg, Allen, Atkins, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Stern

NOES: Stone, Vidak

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 5-2, 5/25/17

AYES: Lara, Beall, Bradford, Hill, Wiener

NOES: Bates, Nielsen

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill codifies the Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Program at the Department of Water Resources, subject to an appropriation of funds.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Authorizes, since 1982, the Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) at the Department of Water Resources (DWR) (Water Code Section 7048). Through this program, DWR works with local agencies and nonprofits to plan and design projects related to urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.
2. Recognizes, pursuant to AB 965 (E. Garcia, Chapter 668, Statutes of 2015), that in amending Section 7048 of the Water Code, the Legislature stated that the restoration of urban creek channels may improve water quality, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and provide public recreation along river parkways. That bill also recognized the potential for the USRP to benefit cross-border waterway restoration along the Mexican-Californian border.
3. Acknowledges that in 2016, DWR undertook an initiative through a budget change proposal to merge the USRP with other existing programs to enhance fish passage, restore river processes, and protect riparian corridors while ensuring that economic and social needs in impacted communities are met. The combined program is called the Riverine Stewardship Program and it provides technical and financial assistance with planning, design, construction, and project evaluation, depending on the availability of funds. This program is included for funding in the two parks bonds that are alive in this session of the Legislature.

This bill codifies the Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Program at DWR, subject to an appropriation of funds.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, there are significant cost pressures, likely in the millions (bond funds or special fund), to fund the program. Unknown cost for DWR to administer the program, likely set at five percent by funding source.

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/25/17)

California Association of Professional Scientists

California Urban Streams Partnership

Environmental Defense Fund

Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks

The San Diego River Park Foundation

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/25/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, the years of work on stream restoration has not always coordinated environmental benefits with water quality and water supply and has sometimes focused disproportionately on regional priorities (Sierra or Coastal ranges, or Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, as examples.) The author points out that the watershed work in urbanized areas can significantly enhance water quality, natural resource conservation, and public health, provided that the programs and funding are focused on these multi-benefit objectives.

The author further states that under this bill, the state and local stakeholders would engage early in the design process and remain involved throughout the construction, operation, and evaluation of the project. Projects would be designed to protect natural stream processes, but also to consider low impact development, energy and water conservation, and community access.

According to the California Association of Professional Scientists, Environmental Defense Fund, and other supporters, this bill allows DWR to continue to provide financial and technical assistance.

Prepared by:

5/27/17 18:22:59

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular Session

SB 667 (Atkins) - Department of Water Resources: riverine and riparian stewardship improvements

This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

SB 667 codifies the Riverine Stewardship Program (program).

Fiscal Impact:

• Significant cost pressures, likely in the millions (bond funds or special fund), to fund the program.
• Unknown cost for the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to administer the program, likely set at 5 percent by funding source.

Background:

DWR administers the Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP), which provides grants to local communities for projects to reduce flooding and erosion and associated property damage; restore, enhance or protect the natural ecological values of streams; and promote community involvement, education and stewardship.

Since 1985, the program has provided more than 270 grants ranging from $1,000 to $1 million to communities throughout California. The projects have included stream cleanups, bank stabilization projects, revegetation efforts, recontouring of channels to improve floodplain function, and occasional acquisition of strategic floodplain properties or easements.

In 2016, the URSP was combined with other programs to enhance fish passage, restore river processes, and protect riparian corridors while ensuring that economic and social needs in impacted communities are met. The combined program is called the Riverine Stewardship Program and it provides technical and financial assistance with planning, design, construction, and project evaluation, depending on the availability of funds.

This program is included for funding in the two parks bonds pending hearing in the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees.

PROPOSED LAW: This bill:

Codifies the program, subject to an appropriation by the Legislature, to implement the watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements in support of projects that reduce flood risk, restore fish populations, improve water quality, achieve climate change benefits, and in general ensure resilient ecological functions emphasizing urban or urbanizing areas of the state.

Requires that the program is coordinated with the USRP.

Provides that the program would provide support for partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and others to meet watershed restoration objectives.

Authorizes DWR to provide planning and design assistance using the best bioengineering and ecological practices while considering low-impact development, energy and water conservation, and community access and use for local recreation.

Outlines the monitoring and evaluation component, and allows the program to include assistance with project administration.

Authorizes DWR to provide technical assistance through collaboration with the California State University and University of California systems to provide educational and field experience for students.

Related Legislation:

In 2015, AB 965 (Garcia, E.), amended section 7048 to the Water Code which recognized that the restoration of urban creek channels may improve water quality, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and provide public recreation along river parkways. That bill also recognized the potential for the USRP to benefit cross-border waterway restoration along the Mexican-Californian border.

Staff Comments:

Cost pressures to fund program. DWR indicates that, while there are no specific costs associated with the bill, program funding is running out. As such, an appropriation, likely in the millions, will be necessary to continue the program. Staff costs to will depend upon the amount of funds and frequency of appropriations.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER

Senator Robert Hertzberg, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: SB Hearing Date: April 25, 2017

Subject: Department of Water Resources: riverine and riparian stewardship improvements

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

1. Existing law has authorized, since 1982, the Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) at the Department of Water Resources (DWR). (Water Code section 7048). Through this program, DWR works with local agencies and nonprofits to plan and design projects related to urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement.
2. In 2015, AB 965 (Garcia, E.), amended section 7048 to the Water Code which recognized that the restoration of urban creek channels may improve water quality, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and provide public recreation along river parkways. That bill also recognized the potential for the USRP to benefit cross-border waterway restoration along the Mexican-Californian border.
3. In 2016, DWR undertook an initiative through a budget change proposal (BCP) to merge the USRP with other existing programs to enhance fish passage, restore river processes, and protect riparian corridors while ensuring that economic and social needs in impacted communities are met. The combined program is called the Riverine Stewardship Program (RSP) and it provides technical and financial assistance with planning, design, construction, and project evaluation, depending on the availability of funds.

This program is included for funding in the two parks bonds that are alive in this session of the Legislature.

PROPOSED LAW

This bill codifies the Riverine Stewardship Program (RSP) which is dependent on funding from the Legislature. The program will implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements in support of projects that reduce flood risk, restore fish populations, improve water quality, achieve climate change benefits, and in general ensure resilient ecological functions emphasizing urban or urbanizing areas of the state.

The bill requires the RSP to be coordinated with the USRP.

The RSP would provide support for partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and others to meet watershed restoration objectives. The program is authorized to provide planning and design assistance while using the best bioengineering and ecological practices while considering low-impact development, energy and water conservation, and community access and use for local recreation.

The RSP would also have a monitoring and evaluation component, and may also include assistance with project administration. DWR is authorized to provide technical assistance including through collaboration with the CSU and UC systems to provide educational and field experience for students.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

According to the author, the years of work on stream restoration has not always coordinated environmental benefits with water quality and water supply and has sometimes focused disproportionately on regional priorities (Sierra or Coastal ranges, or Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, as examples.) The author points out that the watershed work in urbanized areas can significantly enhance water quality, natural resource conservation, and public health, provided that the programs and funding are focused on these multi-benefit objectives.

The author further stated that under the bill, the state and local stakeholders would engage early in the design process and remain involved throughout the construction, operation, and evaluation of the project. Projects would be designed to protect natural stream processes, but also to consider low impact development, energy and water conservation, and community access.

According to the California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS), Environmental Defense Fund, and other supporters, this bill allows DWR to continue to provide financial and technical assistance.

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION

None received

SUPPORT

California Association of Professional Scientists

California Urban Streams Partnership

Environmental Defense Fund

Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks

The San Diego River Park Foundation

OPPOSITION

None Received

-- END --