The objective of Proposition 1, the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 is to allocate funding for the purposes of developing reliable water supplies, maintaining crucial living habitats and creating a more sustainable water system. Proposition 1 provides $7.454 billion in general obligation bond funding for these water-related programs. The largest allocations are $2.7 billion for water storage and $1.5 billion for ecosystem restoration.

Proposition 1 has apportioned $30 million to the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) for a grant program for ecosystem maintenance and restoration proposals, which have been designated as state priorities. The OPC’s goal is to issue funding for projects that conform to the standards of Proposition 1 and that contribute to the overall development of robust and healthy water systems in California.

The OPC is responsible for protecting and maintaining the ocean and coastal ecosystems in California. The OPC was created through the California Ocean Protection Act and operates in collaboration with federal, state and local entities to develop policy, raise funds and use its resources to lead coordination efforts and issue recommendations based on scientific research.

The Grant Program Guidelines set forth the procedures and benchmarks that the OPC will rely upon to review proposals and issue grants. The draft guidelines were made available to the public on May 21, and the public comment period extended until August 21. The Guidelines specify the entities that are eligible for grant funding, the types of projects that may be considered, the application and selection process and the evaluation criteria. Qualifying letters of intent are due December 1, 2015, and the OPC will notify applicants eligible to submit full proposals in January 2016.

Contact Shane Coons at 949-333-0900 or visit his website at www.ShaneCoonsLaw.com.