Clean Beaches Initiative Grant Projects

The Clean Beach Initiative (CBI) Grant Program provides funding for projects that will improve California’s coastal water quality and swimmers’ safety. Funding priority  is given to projects that reduce bacterial contamination on busy California  beaches. Scientific studies have shown that water with high bacteria levels can cause  infections rashes  and gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.

The CBI Grant Program has provided about $100 million from voter-approved bonds for approximately 100 projects since it was started under the 2001 Budget Act. Typical projects include the construction of disinfection facilities, diversions that prevent polluted storm water from reaching the beach, and scientific research that will enable early notification of unhealthy swimming conditions. (For examples, see links to Proposition 13, 40, and 50, listed below.

California spends more money on improving beach water quality than any state in the country. The state targets the busiest beaches during the busiest time of the year.

HISTORY:

The Clean Beaches Initiative Grant Program began with the Budget Act of 2001. It appropriated $32.298 million from Proposition 13 to implement 38 projects that were designed to reduce bacterial contamination at California public beaches.They addressed postings and closures at California public beaches caused by bacterial contamination.

The Watershed, Clean Beaches, and Water Quality Act was signed into law on September 20, 2002. The Act appropriated an additional $46 million from Proposition 40 for additional CBI grants to help local agencies, non-profit organizations, and public agencies implement projects that protect and restore California's coastal water quality.

In November 2002, voters approved the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 50) authorizing the issuance of bonds to fund a variety of water quality improvement projects. The 2005/06 Budget Act appropriated $23 million of Proposition 50 funds for CBI projects.

In November 2006, voters approved the Water Quality, Safety and Supply, Flood Control, Natural Resources Protection, and Park Improvements Bonds Initiative Statute of 2006 (Proposition 84) authorizing the issuance of $90 million in bonds to fund a variety of water quality improvement projects.

• CBI Program Guidelines
• Prop. 84 - Public Resources Code § 75060
• Proposition 50 - Water Code § 79543
• 2005 CBI Progress Report
• Report on the Enclosed Beach Symposium and Workshop