The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1) and the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) provide funding to implement the objectives of the California Water Action Plan. These objectives include more reliable water supplies, restoration of important species and habitat, and a more resilient and sustainably managed water resources system.
The Watershed Restoration Grants Branch (WRGB) distributes these funds on a competitive basis through two programs.
- The Watershed Restoration Grant Program uses Prop 1 and Prop 68 funds for: Large-scale wildfire recovery response and prevention; Managing headwaters for multiple benefits; Protecting and restoring mountain meadow ecosystems; Protecting and restoring anadromous and other non-game native fish habitat; Protecting and restoring coastal wetland ecosystems; or Protecting and restoring cross-border urban creeks and watersheds.
- The Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program uses only Prop 1 funds to: Improve water quality; Improve habitats in the Delta; Plan for multi-benefit restoration through regional partnerships; or Conduct Scientific studies to support implementation of the Delta Science Plan and the 2017-2021 Science Action Agenda.
As of July 2021, these Programs have awarded $253.2 Million in funding for restoration grants. Additional awards have been made under other programs managed by WRGB.
Watershed Restoration Grant Program
Delta Water Quality & Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program