Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon Deputy Executive Officer Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon Deputy Executive Officer Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

Delta Conservancy Delta Conservancy is a state agency within the Natural Resource Agency Established through legislation in February 2010 Governed by an 11-member board with assistance from 12 advisors Service area is the statuary Delta and Suisun Marsh Approximately 1,300 sq. miles with more than 1,000 miles of levees and waterways A primary agency for implementing ecosystem restoration in the Delta Support efforts that advance environmental protection and the economic well-being of Delta residents

The Delta Biodiversity 52 mammal species 22 reptile and amphibian species 225 bird species 52 fish species

Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014: Proposition 1 Bond passed by California voters in 2014 General obligation bonds for: Surface and groundwater storage Ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration Drinking water protection Water supply management Water recycling Advanced water treatment technology Flood control

Proposition 1 Funding Statewide - $7,500,000,000 Delta - $432,000,000 Delta Conservancy: $50,000,000 Department of Fish and Wildlife: $87,000,000 Department of Water Resources: $295,000,000 Delta Conservancy: Approximately $10M per year

Delta Conservancy Grant Guidelines Establish the process and criteria to administer a competitive grant program for: Multi-benefit ecosystem restoration and water quality projects Include Grant Provisions and Criteria: Project eligibility Category of Funding Statewide Priorities Evaluation Criteria

Eligible Projects Conservancy Prop 1 Grant Program eligible projects (examples): Channel margin enhancement or habitat restoration Watershed adaptation to reduce impacts of climate change Fish passage barrier removal Eligible applicants: Public Agencies 501 (c) 3 Organizations Tribal Organizations Mutual Water Companies listed species recovery Habitat value on working lands Pollution reduction projects to restore impaired water

Grant Categories Category 1: pre-project activities necessary for a specific on-theground project. Examples: planning, permitting, studies (linked to on-the-ground projects), designs, and CEQA activities Cat. 1 proposals: $20,000 to $100,000 Category 2: on-the-ground, implementation projects. Examples: channel margin enhancement, habitat restoration, pollution runoff reduction, working lands enhancement, and monitoring and assessment Cat. 2 proposals: $25,000 to $2,000,000

Delta Conservancy Prop 1 Grant Program Evaluation Criteria Project objectives Organization capacity State priorities Readiness Local support Cost share Best available science/adaptive management Performance measure

Statewide Priorities and Project Benefits California Water Action Plan The CA Water Action Plan: Roadmap to put California on a path to sustainable water management Conservancy Proposition 1 Grant Program requires implementation of one or more actions of the CA Water Action Plan: Make water conservation a California way of life Achieve the Co-Equal goals in the Delta Protect and restore important ecosystems Provide safe water for all communities

Measuring and Reporting Project Performance Approaches for achieving expected project objectives: Measuring performance Quantifying success Monitoring Tracking

Adaptive Management

Grant Program Other Requirements Environmental compliance Monitoring and assessment Data management Conflict of Interest

Grant Proposal Process Concept Proposal Staff review and evaluation Minimum score of 85 points Staff recommendation for Board consideration Full proposal Staff review and evaluation Technical/Professional review and evaluation Minimum 85 points Staff recommendations for Board consideration

Status of FY 15-16 Proposals 14 concept proposals were approved by the Conservancy Board Full proposals: March 15 Staff review: March 15 April 15 Professional review: March 15 April 15 Staff recommendations to the Conservancy Board: May 25

Tentative Timeline for FY 16-17 Project solicitation: Fall 2016 Proposal submission workshop: Fall 2016 Concept proposals due: Fall 2016 Full Proposals due: Winter 2017 Proposal approval: Spring 2017

Questions? For more information, visit the Delta Conservancy Prop 1 Grant Program: http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/grant-program/