Urban Streams Restoration Program

Purpose: The Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP), established by Water Code section 7048 which declared that urban creek enhancement are best undertaken by local agencies and organizations with assistance from the State. The USRP funds projects and provides technical assistance to restore streams impacted by urban development to a more natural state. Description: The USRP goals include: (1) restoring the natural, ecological value of streams; (2) preventing future property damage caused by flooding and bank erosion; (3) promoting community riverine stewardship. A major objective of the USRP is to bring people together around projects that foster community relationships while ensuring the community’s interests are incorporated into the project’s outcomes. Local community-supported projects can support local economies, renew a community’s understanding of the value of streams, and make them a centerpiece for the community while expanding their contact with nature. USRP requires a public outreach and education component that is designed to encourage community participation in the planning process, public support for long-term management for a minimum 10-year timeframe, and to increase the public’s understanding of the project’s benefits to the environment and the sustainability of California's water resources. These activities may include but are not limited to: community organizing, resource interpretation, multilingual translation, natural science, community education, and communication-related to change resiliency, and other outdoor pursuits. Eligible projects must be consistent with the goals of the USRP outlined in Water Code sections 7048 and Proposition 4. The USRP has set aside over 40 percent of the grant funds ($15 M) allocated to program to support projects that provide direct and meaningful benefits to Disadvantaged Communities, Severely Disadvantaged Communities and Vulnerable Populations. Eligible project types include, but are not limited to: o Bank stabilization and revegetation. o Recontouring of channels to improve or reestablish floodplain function and localized flood protection. o Installation of bioswales prior to water reaching urban streams. o Removing of culverts or storm drains to stabilize channels to achieve flood control objectives and daylighting of streams. o Purchase of lands or structures on lands to allow for floodplain reconnection and floodwater detention or wetlands/tidal zone restoration. The USRP may also fund planning-only grants for projects with an intended construction component. Concept proposals will be reviewed monthly. Applicants will be invited to submit quarterly full proposals following the concept review. Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit Public Agency Tribal Government Requires a partnership of two applicants (sponsor and co-sponsor): one local public a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and local community group. The USRP recognizes partnerships when there is a signed MOU between authorities representing the partners included in the application Eligible Geographies: USRP serves urban and urbanizing communities across the entire state. Important Dates Expected award announcement The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant. Summer 2027 Period of performance The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized. 3 years Funding Details - Prod Migration Test Total estimated available funding The total projected dollar amount of the grant. $20,562,000.00 Expected number of awards A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.

Purpose: The Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP), established by Water Code section 7048 which declared that urban creek enhancement are best undertaken by local agencies and organizations with assistance from the State. The USRP funds projects and provides technical assistance to restore streams impacted by urban development to a more natural state. Description: The USRP goals include: (1) restoring the natural, ecological value of streams; (2) preventing future property damage caused by flooding and bank erosion; (3) promoting community riverine stewardship. A major objective of the USRP is to bring people together around projects that foster community relationships while ensuring the community’s interests are incorporated into the project’s outcomes. Local community-supported projects can support local economies, renew a community’s understanding of the value of streams, and make them a centerpiece for the community while expanding their contact with nature. USRP requires a public outreach and education component that is designed to encourage community participation in the planning process, public support for long-term management for a minimum 10-year timeframe, and to increase the public’s understanding of the project’s benefits to the environment and the sustainability of California's water resources.