Background

The Flood Protection Corridor Program (FPCP) was established when California voters passed Proposition 13, the "Safe Drinking Water, Watershed Protection and Flood Protection Act" in March of 2000. This proposition provided funding for nonstructural flood management projects that include wildlife habitat enhancement and/or agricultural land preservation. This funding was first made available for direct expenditure projects during the fiscal year of 2001-2002, followed by a competitive solicitation for grant-funded project proposals in fiscal year 2002 -2003.

Current Funding

Proposition 84 Flood Protection Corridor Program grant applications are due no later than 3 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on Friday, November 2, 2007!

Grant application workshops will occur October 1 – 5, 2007. For more information, locations, and times click on Proposition 84.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Flood Protection Corridor Program is to fund primarily nonstructural flood management solutions through direct expenditures and grants to local public agencies and nonprofit organizations. Funding under this Program is intended to be used for acquisition, restoration, enhancement and protection of real property while preserving sustainable agriculture and enhancing wildlife habitat in and near flood corridors throughout the state.

Vision Statement

The Department, in its implementation of the Program established by voter approved Proposition 13, seeks to avoid future flood damage and correct existing problems by restoring natural fluvial and related biological processes in flood corridors by acquiring, through easement or fee title, rights to real property that is subject to periodic damaging flood flows.

Expected Benefits of the Program

By acquiring agricultural conservation, wildlife habitat preservation, and flood flow easements, and by restoring floodplain functions, floodwaters can safely spread over and, in some cases, move more quickly through floodplains or be detained for later release. Depending on the circumstances of the location and the design of the project, these efforts can reduce peak flows upstream and downstream, allowing, in some cases, sediments to be trapped by the restored riparian vegetation. Other anticipated benefits include enhanced wetland development, water table recharge, wildlife habitat enhancement, and the acquisition from willing sellers of sites that cannot be made safe from future flooding.

PROGRESS TO DATE

Direct Expenditure Projects

Following outreach efforts begun in the spring of 2000, DWR received and reviewed direct expenditure project opportunities. Of the eleven projects that qualified for direct expenditure, six were recommended for approval based upon state interest and a significant contribution to flood protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, and/or agricultural land conservation. Total cost for these six projects was approximately 27 million dollars. To see a list of the selected projects with a brief description, click here.

Competitive Grant Solicitation Process for 2002

Approximately 30 million dollars were available for the 2002 competitive solicitation process. For more information regarding project eligibility, project evaluation, fund allocation and management, project design, property acquisition, and grant administration, click here.