Section 79755 Of Chapter 8. Statewide Water System Operational Improvement And Drought Preparedness From California Water Code >> Division 26.7. >> Chapter 8.
79755
. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), no funds
allocated pursuant to this chapter may be allocated for a project
before December 15, 2016, and until the commission approves the
project based on the commission's determination that all of the
following have occurred:
(1) The commission has adopted the regulations specified in
Section 79754 and specifically quantified and made public the cost of
the public benefits associated with the project.
(2) The project applicant has entered into a contract with each
party that will derive benefits, other than public benefits, as
defined in Section 79753, from the project that ensures the party
will pay its share of the total costs of the project. The benefits
available to a party shall be consistent with that party's share of
total project costs.
(3) The project applicant has entered into a contract with each
public agency identified in Section 79754 that administers the public
benefits, after that agency makes a finding that the public benefits
of the project for which that agency is responsible meet all the
requirements of this chapter, to ensure that the public contribution
of funds pursuant to this chapter achieves the public benefits
identified for the project.
(4) The commission has held a public hearing for the purposes of
providing an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the
information required to be prepared pursuant to this subdivision.
(5) All of the following additional conditions are met:
(A) Feasibility studies have been completed.
(B) The commission has found and determined that the project is
feasible, is consistent with all applicable laws and regulations, and
will advance the long-term objectives of restoring ecological health
and improving water management for beneficial uses of the Delta.
(C) All environmental documentation associated with the project
has been completed, and all other federal, state, and local
approvals, certifications, and agreements required to be completed
have been obtained.
(b) The commission shall submit to the Legislature its findings
for each of the criteria identified in subdivision (a) for a project
funded pursuant to this chapter.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), funds may be made available
under this chapter for the completion of environmental documentation
and permitting of a project.