Chapter 5.5. Water Research And Development of California Government Code >> Division 2. >> Title 5. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 5.5.

As used in this chapter:
  (a) "Local agency" means county, city, or any public district empowered to distribute water or engage in flood control.
  (b) "United States" includes any department, board, agency, or officer thereof.
  (c) "State" means the State of California or any department, agency, or officer thereof.

For the purpose of carrying out the objective of Public Law 85-883, September 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1706 (42 U.S.C. 1958a-1958g), which contemplates the construction, operation, and maintenance of a sea water conversion demonstration plant upon the West Coast of the United States, or any other act of Congress relating to sea water conversion plants which requires or contemplates local participation, any local agency acting directly, or by entering into a contract or contracts with the State, the United States, or any other local agency or agencies, or with any combination of them, may acquire, construct, operate, and maintain any sea water conversion demonstration plant as defined in Public Law 85-883 and all works and facilities necessary therefor. A local agency may also acquire water, sea water, and energy necessary therefor, may sell or buy or lease any such plant, or the products of any such plant, acquired or constructed under this chapter or under any act of Congress, may acquire and operate and maintain any sea water conversion plant or demonstration plant, and may make available to the State or the United States upon such terms as are mutually agreeable any funds or real or personal property of the local agency.