BILL ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
2529 (Kehoe)
Hearing Date: 8/4/04 Amended: 6/29/04
Consultant: Miriam Barcellona Ingenito Policy
Vote: NR&W 6-3
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BILL SUMMARY: AB 2529 would establish a Marine Managed
Areas Program (MMAP) under the State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB) for the purpose of awarding grants
for capital projects that would restore and protect the
water quality and environment of protected marine areas.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2004-05 2005-06
2006-07 Fund
Program establishment > $300, depending on size of
program Unknown
Program implementation > $200, depending on size of program
Unknown
MMAP Grants significant cost pressure
GF/BF
Task force unknown
Unknown
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STAFF COMMENTS: This bill meets the criteria for referral
to the Suspense file.
AB 2529 would (1) establish a MMAP under SWRCB and (2)
amend the intent language of the Watershed, Clean Beaches,
and Water Quality Act (Act) to include the Legislature's
intent to invest in clean water projects that improve water
quality in coastal and marine waters, especially those that
affect marine protected areas and marine-managed areas. The
stated purpose of the Act is to establish a statutory
framework for funding water quality, clean beaches, and
watershed protection projects from the proceeds derived
from the issuance and sale of bonds and other revenue
sources. In order to implement AB 2529, SWRCB would require
at least three positions to develop the program and grant
guidelines. Additionally, depending on the amount of funds
appropriated by the Legislature for this program, SWRCB
would likely require at least two grant manager positions.
The grants under the MMAP would be limited to a maximum of
$1 million each. AB 2529 places a significant cost pressure
on existing bond funds and future bond funds, at the cost
of other programs (as well as the General Fund) to provide
funding for MMAP grants. STAFF NOTES that Proposition 50
allocates $100 million for projects that restore and
protect coastal water quality and environment. Of these
funds, $66 million has not yet been appropriated and
potentially could be used for the purposes of AB 2529.
AB 2529 also would require SWRCB, in consultation with the
California Coastal Commission, to appoint a marine managed
area water quality task force that would review all MMAP
grant proposals and make recommendations on the issuing of
these grants to SWRCB. AB 2529 does not specify the size
of the task force nor specify whether the members would be
compensated in any form. Costs associated with the task
force are unknown.