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Watershed Health and Environmental Restoration Act

Watershed Health and Environmental Restoration Act

The health of California's watersheds, waterways, and wetlands is directly connected to water availability. Compliance with environmental regulations requires water that could go toward other beneficial uses. And yet, studies have shown that investing in watershed health can lead to greater water availability downstream. By investing in compliance and restoration activities, this legislation will provide additional tools to increase the resiliency, quantity, and quality of California's water supply.

Summary

Representative Jim Costa's Watershed Health and Environmental Restoration Act will provide the resources necessary to assist water users be good stewards of the environment.

  • The bill authorizes $270 million for restoration and environmental compliance projects, including:
    • Forest, meadow and watershed restoration projects with water benefits and projects to help restore threatened and endangered species affected by Bureau of Reclamation water projects.
    • River restoration programs such as the San Joaquin River Restoration Program
    • Integrated water management projects that aim to establish, restore, protect or enhance fish and wildlife habitat, including managed wetlands and floodplain habitats.