California Assembly Bill AB382

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/19
• Refer: 2/15/19
• Report Pass: 3/12/19
• Refer: 3/12/19
• Refer: 3/20/19
• Failed: 2/3/20

Caption

Integrated regional water management plans: grant funding: upper watershed health.

Impact

If implemented, AB 382 would potentially streamline the funding process for regional water management groups. By providing a preference in grant criteria for projects that enhance watershed health, the bill promises to incentivize efforts that could lead to improved water quality and supply management. Moreover, the proposal stipulates that these regional groups may be required to contribute a lower match in local funding when pursuing such projects, thereby reducing the financial burden on these groups and encouraging more comprehensive watershed management initiatives that may have been previously financially unfeasible.

Summary

Assembly Bill 382, introduced by Assembly Member Mathis, aims to enhance the ability of regional water management groups to secure funding for projects that improve upper watershed health. Specifically, the bill adds Section 10544.1 to the California Water Code, which mandates that the selection criteria for grant funding prioritize projects that benefit upper watershed health, even if these projects occur outside the geographical boundaries of the groups' integrated regional water management plans. This legislative change is grounded in the intention to promote better water resource management through regional collaboration and care for watershed health.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its forward-thinking approach to integrated water management, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the potential implications of prioritizing upstream projects. Critics might argue that such prioritization could divert attention and resources from immediate local needs within the predefined boundaries of existing water management plans. Additionally, there could be discussions around ensuring that the definition and criteria for 'watershed health' are adequately inclusive and comprehensive to reflect diverse ecological and community needs.