Yesterday, the California Water Commission announced that the application period for water storage projects will be open from March 14, 2017, to August 14, 2017. Proponents of new water storage projects in California are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. Through this program, the Commission will fund the public benefits of water storage projects that improve the operation of the state water system, are cost effective, and provide a net improvement in ecosystem and water quality conditions.

Funding is made possible by Proposition 1 (the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act)—a $7.5 billion water bond for investments in the state’s water management systems that includes $2.7 billion for public benefits related to new water storage projects. Those public benefits include ecosystem improvements, water quality improvements, flood control, emergency response and recreation.

Read the official announcement from CWC for full details.

To assist potential applicants, the Commission will be hosting an application assistance workshop on March 30, 2017, in Sacramento. Contact Dave Puglia at (949) 885-2252 for additional information.