Department of Water Resources: riverine and riparian stewardship improvements.

Existing law authorizes the Director of Water Resources to establish a program of flood control and urban creek restoration, known as the Urban Streams Restoration Program, consisting of the development of the capability by the Department of Water Resources to respond to requests from local agencies and organizations for planning and design assistance for efficient and effective urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement. This bill, upon an appropriation of funds from the Legislature, would require the department to establish a program to implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship improvements by providing technical and financial assistance in support of projects with certain benefits. The bill would require the program to support the purposes of and be coordinated with the Urban Streams Restoration Program, fish passage improvements, and other similar programs. The bill would authorize the department to provide technical assistance, including by collaborating with other state agencies, appropriate California State University or University of California programs, or other similar programs, as specified. The bill would authorize grant funds available for the purposes of the Urban Streams Restoration Program or this program to be available for use by the recipient for design, engineering, and other technical assistance for the purposes of the program.