Existing law establishes in the Natural Resources Agency the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy. Existing law requires the conservancy to act as a primary state agency to implement ecosystem restoration in the Delta and to support efforts that advance environmental protection and the economic well-being of Delta residents. Existing law specifies the composition of the governing board of the conservancy and requires liaison advisers to serve in an advisory, nonvoting capacity. Existing law requires the conservancy to prepare and adopt a strategic plan to achieve the goals of the conservancy and requires the strategic plan to be consistent with certain plans. Existing law authorizes the conservancy to engage in partnerships with nonprofit organizations, local public agencies, and landowners, and authorizes the conservancy to provide grants and loans to state agencies, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to further the goals of the conservancy. Existing law establishes the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Fund in the State Treasury. Existing law makes moneys in the fund available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for purposes of these provisions.

This bill would expand the area covered by the conservancy to include the Valley, as defined. The bill would rename the conservancy the Valley and Delta Conservancy, rename the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Fund the Valley and Delta Conservancy Fund, and make conforming changes. The bill would add 2 additional liaison advisers, who are designees of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the San Joaquin River Conservancy, respectively. The bill would require funds to be allocated for activities in the Valley only if there is an appropriation for that purpose. The bill would also authorize the conservancy to engage in partnerships with, and to award grants and loans to, tribal organizations. The bill would establish the Valley Program, under the administration of the conservancy, to support efforts that advance the environmental protection and the economic well-being of Valley residents.