This bill updates the San Francisco Bay Restoration Program to make it easier to fund local water and habitat projects. The program can give money through grants and agreements to federal, state, and local agencies, special districts, public or nonprofit groups, and other qualified organizations, including the Estuary Partnership, for projects on the program’s yearly priority list.

It sets a cost-share rule: federal funds can cover up to 75% of a project, and at least 25% must come from non-federal sources. It also blocks funding to any non-federal group that is based in, primarily operates in, or has ties to a “foreign country of concern,” as defined in federal law. Federal agencies can also use interagency agreements to carry out priority activities.

• Who is affected: Local governments, special districts, nonprofits, and federal agencies working on San Francisco Bay restoration projects.
• What changes: Expanded funding options; a 75% federal/25% non-federal cost share; and a ban on grants to entities tied to certain foreign countries.
• What it funds: Projects and studies chosen each year for restoring water quality and habitats in the Bay area.