Section 79738 Of Chapter 6. Protecting Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Coastal Waters, And Watersheds From California Water Code >> Division 26.7. >> Chapter 6.
79738
. (a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, eighty-seven
million five hundred thousand dollars ($87,500,000) shall be
available to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for water quality,
ecosystem restoration, and fish protection facilities that benefit
the Delta, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Projects to improve water quality or that contribute to the
improvement of water quality in the Delta, including projects in
Delta counties that provide multiple public benefits and improve
drinking and agricultural water quality or water supplies.
(2) Habitat restoration, conservation, and enhancement projects to
improve the condition of special status, at risk, endangered, or
threatened species in the Delta and the Delta counties, including
projects to eradicate invasive species, and projects that support the
beneficial reuse of dredged material for habitat restoration and
levee improvements.
(3) Scientific studies and assessments that support the Delta
Science Program, as described in Section 85280, or projects under
this section.
(b) In implementing this section, the department shall coordinate
and consult with the Delta city or Delta county in which a grant is
proposed to be expended or an interest in real property is proposed
to be acquired.
(c) Acquisitions pursuant to this section shall be from willing
sellers only.
(d) In implementing this section state agencies shall prioritize
wildlife conservation objectives through projects on public lands or
voluntary projects on private lands, to the extent feasible.
(e) Funds available pursuant to this section shall not be used to
acquire land via eminent domain.
(f) Funds available pursuant to this section shall not be expended
to pay the costs of the design, construction, operation, mitigation,
or maintenance of Delta conveyance facilities.