Over the next
five years, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is disseminating millions of dollars exclusively
through IRWMPs. These funds come from Propositions 50 and 84 for water- and watershed-related projects. $57M is
allocated for the San Joaquin River Area, of which Mariposa is part. Another $100M is available statewide.
To qualify for DWR funding, water- and watershed-related projects need to be included in IRWMPs.
Mariposa County, however, is currently without an IRWMP; therefore, not eligible for millions of dollars in funding.
Steps to implement water-
and watershed-related projects with DWR funding:
1)
Get funding to: A) complete the RAP (Regional Acceptance Process) and B) prepare a DWR planning grant application to
fund completion an IRWMP. Mariposa County has been asked to fund Task A. Mariposa County Resource Conservation District
(MCRCD) was awarded $49,900 by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) to complete Task B. This grant, however, is tied up in the state’s budget situation and is currently not accessible.
2) Go through the RAP. The RAP requires projects to be planned
ecologically and holistically within watersheds to maximize benefits and to ensure that regions interface with one another.
3) Undertake a stakeholder driven process to complete a planning
grant application to DWR. The DWR grant would fund preparation of an IRWMP. IRWMP planning grants are typically around $500K
for rural areas. There is a percentage of match funding required, but it would be reduced based on Mariposa’s ability
to qualify as a disadvantaged community.
4) Complete
a stakeholder supported IRWMP that addresses local issues and identifies needed projects.
5) Prepare DWR project implementation grant applications for those projects identified
in the IRWMP.
6) Obtain DWR funding for
projects.
7) Complete projects.