Proposition 84 funds for this program were not included in the 2007/08 Governor’s Budget. When bond funds are appropriated in the future, they would be used for the development, rehabilitation, acquisition, and restoration costs related to providing public access to recreation and fish and wildlife resources in connection with State Water Project obligations pursuant to Water Code Section 11912. Criteria for bond expenditures will be developed, and made available to the public at a website to be determined.
Projects selected for funding under the Public Access Program are required to be spent according to the approved project scope and budget. The Department of Water Resources requires quarterly progress reports for all projects and conducts site visits during construction for each development project. Payment requests must accompany supporting documentation for each expense, with reimbursements approved only for eligible expenses pursuant to program guidelines and contained within the approved project budget. The Department of Water Resources also withholds up to ten percent of each payment request to be released upon project completion.
All projects funded under the Public Access Program will receive a close-out visit conducted by the Department of Water Resources at the time the project is complete and prior to releasing final funds. The purpose of the close-out field visit is to ensure all project components were completed according to program guidelines and the terms of the various agreements, including project scope and budget. All projects must comply with all current laws and regulations which apply to the project and submit documents summarizing total project costs and all additional funding sources.
