North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
Proposition 50, the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002, is a Water Bond initiative approved by California voters in November 2002. The Integrated Regional Water Management Grant Program is a program under Chapter 8 of Proposition 50 and includes $380 million for the development of Integrated Regional Water Management Plans (IRWMPs) and for the funding of projects included within them. Additionally, legislation under this Chapter requires that not less than 40% of IRWM Grant Program funding be awarded to Northern California communities (see IRWMP Grant Guidelines for more information).
PROPOSITION 84, the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Costal Protection Act, passed by California voters in November 2006. Administered by DWR, the Proposition 84 includes funding for the IRWM Grant Program. See DIVISION 43. THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COSTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006 for additional information on fund source and legislative action. Guidelines for Proposition 84 are under development, with calls for proposals expected in spring of 2008.
Support for the North Coast IRWMP has been received from local legislators, including Senator Chesbro and Assembly Member Berg. Additionally, state and federal elected representatives have indicated that future bonds and financing sources outside of bond funding will likely be allocated to projects and programs included within an IRWMP.
To this end, non-profit organizations, North Coast Coalition water suppliers, sanitation districts, cities, counties, and flood control agencies in addition to stakeholders including environmental and business interests, are working together to coordinate the IRWMP for the North Coast region. By taking a shared, regional approach to water resources planning, the North Coast IRWMP works to find solutions that effectively manage water resources, promote environmental and fisheries protection, assure beneficial water reuse and clean water supplies, and promote watershed protection and planning throughout the region.
The goals of the North Coast IRWMP are (1) to develop an aongoing and comprehensive plan to facilitate regional cooperation in providing water supply reliability, water recycling, water conservation, water quality improvement, storm water capture and management, flood management, recreation and access, wetlands enhancement and creation, and environmental and habitat protection and improvement; (2) to foster coordination, collaboration and communication among North Coast agencies responsible for water-related issues and interested stakeholders to achieve greater efficiencies, enhance public services, and build public support for vital plans and projects; and (3) to improve regional competitiveness for state and federal grant funding.
Your agency/organization is invited to: Become a signatory to the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding (MOMU) toward developing a North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. By signing onto the MOMU we increase the potential for North Coast projects to be eligible for IRWMP funding by demonstrating that these projects are tied to a cooperative, coordinated IRWMP effort currently underway. A current list of NCIRWMP MoMU signatories can be found here. Please send signed copies of the MOMU to: Lisa Renton, SCWA, P.O. Box 11628, Santa Rosa, CA 95406.
Please sign-up for regular e-mail updates to participate and stay informed on the development of the North Coast IRWMP, as well as to receive information on funding opportunities.
