(a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for projects to protect and enhance an urban creek, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 7048, and its tributaries, pursuant to Division 22.8 (commencing with Section 32600) of, and Division 23 (commencing with Section 33000) of, the Public Resources Code and Section 79508.
(b) (1) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) shall be made available to the secretary for a competitive program to fund multibenefit watershed and urban rivers enhancement projects in urban watersheds that increase regional and local water self-sufficiency and that meet at least two of the following objectives:
(A) Promote groundwater recharge and water reuse.
(B) Reduce energy consumption.
(C) Use soils, plants, and natural processes to treat runoff.
(D) Create or restore native habitat.
(E) Increase regional and local resiliency and adaptability to climate change.
(2) The program under this subdivision shall be implemented by state conservancies, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the state board, or other entities whose jurisdiction includes urban watersheds, as designated by the secretary. Projects funded under the program shall be a part of a plan developed jointly by the conservancies, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the state board, or other designated entities in consultation with the secretary.
(c) At least 25 percent of the funds available pursuant to this section shall be allocated for projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
(d) Up to 10 percent of the funds available pursuant to this section may be allocated for project planning.
(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 188, Sec. 8. (AB 1471) Approved in Proposition 1 at the November 4, 2014, election.)