Article 1. General Provisions of California Water Code >> Division 6. >> Part 6. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 1.

The works of improvement for the control, conservation and utilization of destructive flood waters and the reclamation and protection of lands that are susceptible to overflow by flood waters, which are described in this chapter, are adopted and authorized in the interest of the public welfare of the people of this State to be prosecuted substantially in accordance with the plans in the respective reports designated in this chapter. If, however, there are any major project changes in the plan of improvement originally approved by the Congress and adopted and authorized by the State, which changes result in a substantial increase in the estimated cost of lands, easements and rights-of-way for the project, no money shall be reallocated by the State in aid of that portion of the project until the revised plan has been reviewed and approved by the department. Such approval shall be given if the department finds in its judgment that the benefits of the proposed works of improvement for the revised project will exceed the cost thereof and that the revised project appears to be the most economical project plan, considering construction costs, lands, easements and rights-of-way costs, and costs of operation and maintenance.

The department may investigate any project adopted and authorized by the state and approved by the Congress to determine whether the project is no longer justified and whether appropriate action should be taken to deauthorize the project. The department shall coordinate that investigation with the federal agency involved in the project.

The provisions of Part 2 of this division shall be applicable to all water made available by the construction of the works of any project approved by Chapters 1 and 2 of this part. No priority under Part 2 shall be released nor assignment made of any appropriation that will, in the judgment of the Department of Water Resources, deprive the county in which the appropriated water originates of any water necessary for the development of the county.

Any county, city, state agency or public district is authorized to make agreements with the United States or any of its departments or agencies obligating them to do or perform those things which are required of them by Chapters 1 and 2 of this part and by the act of Congress approved December 22, 1944 (Public, Numbered 534, Seventy-eighth Congress, Second Session), and the act of Congress approved August 18, 1941 (Public, Numbered 228, Seventy-eighth Congress, First Session).

In all cases where the Federal Government does not maintain and operate projects, it is the responsibility and duty of the county, city, state agency, or public district affected to maintain and operate flood control and other works, constructed pursuant to Chapters 1 and 2 of this part, after their completion and hold and save the State and the United States free from damages.

Prior to any local agency receiving payment or reimbursement pursuant to Section 12585.5 or 12585.7, for projects authorized on or after January 1, 2001, the agency shall enter into an agreement with the department or Reclamation Board pursuant to which the agency agrees to indemnify and hold and save the state, and its officers, agents, and employees, harmless from any and all liability for damages, as provided in Sections 12642 and 12828.