The Budget Act of 2024, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom over the weekend, includes the restoration of nearly $500 million for the Agreements to Support Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (Agreements), formerly known as the Voluntary Agreements.

A previous budget bill had rescinded a significant portion of the funding, initiating a major advocacy push by ACWA, the Northern California Water Association, the State Water Contractors and more than 40 other organizations to maintain nearly all funding for the Agreements.

The Agreements represent an unprecedented opportunity to improve California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta ecosystem by creating a comprehensive program of habitat enhancement projects coupled with more water for fish and wildlife, managed in a collaborative, science-based manner.

ACWA applauded the leadership of Gov. Newsom, Administration officials and the Legislature in restoring the critical funding in a July 2 Advisory distributed to member agencies. The advisory and additional background is available online. Member login is required.