financial assistance

2009-2010 Budget Impacts Williamson Act Subventions

Suspension of Williamson Act subvention payments to local government is an unfortunate, but not unexpected, result of the state’s fiscal constraints. While subvention payments have been customary for many years, they have never been guaranteed. The Williamson Act contracts between landowners and local governments are important to the state’s agricultural production and remain in force, regardless of the availability of subvention payments. Landowners and local governments can non-renew Williamson Act contracts, but the Department doesn’t anticipate a mass exodus from the program. Once the economy rebounds, the Department is hopeful that subvention payments will be available again and the Williamson Act program will continue to have a significant, positive impact on California agriculture and land-use planning. 

Amendments to the Budget Act of 2009 reduced the Williamson Act Subvention payments budget to $1,000, essentially suspending subvention payments to the counties for this fiscal year.  Despite this cut to the subvention payments, the Department of Conservation’s Williamson Act Program is still in place, and counties are asked to fill out and submit an application for an Open Space Subvention Act payment.  This information is needed for the 2009 Williamson Act Status Report.

For more information -- The Williamson Act Program is still in place (PDF), or please feel free to contact the Williamson Act Program: dlrp@conservation.ca.gov

Delayed Release of DOC Watershed Coordinator Grant Solicitation

The Department of Conservation regrets to announce that the Watershed Coordinator Grant Solicitation funded through Proposition 84 has been delayed.  Uncertainties associated with state funding, public and private bond sales are being analyzed prior to release of the solicitation.  

We will send out updates when new information is received. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Watershed Program:  watershed@conservation.ca.gov