BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 317|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 317
Author: Rubio (D)
Amended: 5/31/11
Vote: 21
SENATE NATURAL RES. AND WATER COMMITTEE : 8-0, 4/12/11
AYES: Pavley, La Malfa, Cannella, Evans, Fuller, Kehoe,
Padilla, Wolk
NO VOTE RECORDED: Simitian
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : 8-0, 5/26/11
AYES: Kehoe, Walters, Alquist, Lieu, Pavley, Price,
Runner, Steinberg
NO VOTE RECORDED: Emmerson
SUBJECT : Kings River Fisheries Management Program
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill reauthorizes participation by the
Department of Fish and Game (DFG) in the amended version of
the Kings River Fisheries Management Program, and
authorizes the DFG to contribute up to 50 percent of any
capital costs incurred by local partners under the program.
ANALYSIS : Existing law authorizes the DFG to enter into
contracts for fish and wildlife habitat preservation,
restoration, and enhancement with public and private
entities whenever the department finds that the contracts
will assist in meeting the department's duty to preserve,
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protect, and restore fish and wildlife.
The DFG is the trustee for the state's fish and wildlife
resources. Sections 1501 and 1501.5 of the Fish and Game
Code allow DFG to make expenditures and enter into
contracts for fish and wildlife habitat preservation,
restoration, and enhancements.
In 1954, the United States Army Corps of Engineers
constructed Pine Flat Dam on the Kings River for flood
control and irrigation water supply. The Kings River
Conservation District is the local agency responsible for
the operation and maintenance of Pine Flat Dam both for
flood control and for electrical power generation. The
Kings River Water Association (KRWA), which consists of 28
public and private agencies that hold water rights on the
Kings River, is responsible for allocating the natural flow
of the Kings River and the storage space within Pine Flat
Reservoir to its members.
Prior to the construction of the dam, the lower Kings River
(the river stretch below the dam) supported a year-round,
self-sustaining fishery, including steelhead and salmon.
However, no protections for these fisheries were
established until the DFG and the KRWA signed an agreement
in 1964. However, this agreement provided insufficient
protection of the fishery as illustrated by the numerous
conflicts that ensued, including with sportsfishing groups.
This bill reauthorizes the DFG to participate in the Kings
River Fisheries Management Program, under the agreement
originally entered into by the state and amended on June
26, 2009. This bill limits the DFG's contributions to 50
percent of any capital costs of the program.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
Monies will be provided from the Hatchery and Inland
Fisheries Fund.
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/27/11)
Kings River Conservation District
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Kings River Water Association
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the author, "The
�Kings River Fisheries Management Program] is the
culmination of a successful partnership between the Kings
River Water Association, the Kings River conservation
District, the California Department of Fish and Game, and
participating members of the public. The Program parties
cooperatively
worked to implement a number of voluntary actions which
will enhance the river's habitat and environment."
CTW:kc 5/27/11 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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