§390h–34 North Bay Water Reuse Program

Summary

Authorizes the Secretary, if the project is found feasible, to make cooperative agreements with California and local North Bay agencies to plan, design, and build water reuse and recycling facilities and pipes in the North San Pablo Bay watershed. Eligible local agencies are members of the North Bay Water Reuse Authority in Marin, Napa, Solano, or Sonoma Counties. “Water reclamation and reuse project” covers things like improving water quality, treating and reusing wastewater, recharging and protecting groundwater, augmenting surface water, and related work. “State” means California. The Secretary must, as much as possible, use design plans and environmental reviews already done by local groups and the Corps of Engineers. The work must be done in two phases: first build the main treatment and main conveyance systems, then build sub-regional distribution systems. The Federal share of the first phase cannot be more than 25 percent. The local share can include in-kind services, reasonable planning/design/construction costs, and land costs owned by an eligible entity and used for the project. Federal funds cannot pay for operation or maintenance. The law does not change State water law or interstate water compacts, and it does not give federal water rights to local agencies. Up to $25,000,000 is authorized for the Federal share of the first phase, available until expended.