BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Recommended Positions on Federal Legislation: S 731 (Feinstein) and HR 1738 (Garamendi)-Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Establishment Act.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a position of "Support" on S 731 (Feinstein) and HR 1738 (Garamendi)-Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Establishment Act.
Body
SUMMARY:
S 731 (Feinstein) and HR 1738 (Garamendi)-Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Establishment Act
Recommendation: Support
Priority Recommendation: 2
This legislation would establish the delta estuary as a National Heritage Area (NHA) to be managed by the Delta Protection Commission (Commission). The goal of the Commission is to ensure orderly, balanced conservation and development of Delta land resources and improved flood protection.
The bill authorizes $10 million in federal assistance over 15 years to provide matching grants to implement the locally developed Heritage Area management plan to promote environmental stewardship, heritage conservation, and economic development projects throughout the Delta. The federal share of the total cost of any activity under this Act is not to exceed 50 percent.
The bill would have no effect on water rights, water contracts or property rights and create no new regulatory authority or burden on local government or private citizens.
Status:
S 731 was introduced on March 27, 2017, and referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. HR 1738 was introduced on March 27, 2017, and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee.
Importance to the District:
Staff recommends a "Support" position on these bills.
The District has a strong interest in ensuring the Delta is environmentally healthy and stable. This bill would secure additional federal resources to ensure our interest is met. The bill will have no effect on water rights or water contracts and creates no new regulatory authority or ...
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