Delta Levees Special Flood Control Projects

Comprehensive program guidelines describe the program and application requirements. These guidelines are periodically updated over the life of the program and older versions of the guidelines are still applicable to projects that were funded under older PSPs.

2014 Final Guidelines

The Division of Flood Management, Delta Levees Special Flood Control Projects Program (Program), released the Final Delta Levees Flood Control Projects 2014 Guidelines for Providing Funding to Local Public Agencies. 

Final Addendum #1 to the 2014 Guidelines

The Division of Flood Management, Delta Levees Special Flood Control Projects Program (Program), released the Addendum #1 to its Delta Levees Flood Control Projects 2014 Guidelines for Providing Funding to Local Public Agencies. The Addendum has been prepared to allow the Program to utilize Proposition 1 bond funds and any other future bond funds that may be allocated towards the Program in the future. 

New PSPs are released approximately every year as funding becomes available and work priorities for the Delta are identified. Check this page periodically to learn about new PSPs and the deadlines for application submittals.

The majority of program funds are provided to applicants through the PSP process. Another option for obtaining program funds is the Directed Action process for those projects that might not fit an active PSP but which meet DWR's goals and objectives for the program as outlined in the California Water Code. Lastly, the program periodically funds the development of Five Year Plans for individual islands and tracts.

Contact program staff for guidance if you wish to create or update a five year plan using program funds.

Levee Maintaining Agencies (LMAs), Reclamation Districts (RDs), and other government agencies responsible for levees in the Legal Delta may apply for State funding either through the PSP process as described in the Program's current guidelines or by requesting a Directed Action.

Projects are periodically funded by the Program based on applications received that meet the goals and objectives for the Delta that are guided by the California Water Action Plan and the Delta Plan. The Program periodically publishes a list of active projects.

The review and selection process for the 2016 Projects Solicitation Package for Multi-Benefit Projects (PSP) has been completed. A letter with the results was sent to all participants.

Local Levee Maintaining agencies (LMAs) in the Delta have the opportunity under the Delta Levees Special Projects Program to assess the current conditions of their levees and develop a strategic five-year plan for rehabilitation of their facilities to a desired level of protection. DWR strongly urges all local agencies to request funding, complete and regularly update their five-year plans which are required for program applicants to receive other project funding.

The Special Projects program funds 100 percent of the first $50,000 spent on the preparation of a five-year plan and 75 percent of any costs between $50,000 and $100,000. The LMA is responsible for costs in excess of $100,000. Acceptable five-year plans must include an assessment of the district's existing levee system and a strategic plan to meet a desired level of protection. The plan must also identify risks to island assets, provide a long-term funding strategy, habitat mitigation and/or enhancement plans, as well as CEQA and other permitting requirements. An Outline of Plan Requirements is available.

Who is eligible for funding for a five-year plan?

• Local Maintaining Agencies (LMAs)
• Reclamation Districts (RDs)
• Other government agencies responsible for levees in the Delta

To ensure protection of local and state interests in the Delta, the Delta Levees Special Projects Program was established in 1988 by the California State Legislature under SB 34 and later revised under SB 1065 (1991) and AB 360 (1996). Since its inception the Program has invested approximately $300 million in the Delta for flood protection and related habitat projects. The Program was authorized originally to address flooding on the eight western Delta islands, as well as the communities of Thornton, New Hope and Walnut Grove. It was expanded in 1996 to the entire Delta and to portions of the Suisun Marsh (approximately 12 miles of levees on islands bordering the Northern Suisun Bay from Van Sickle Island westerly to Montezuma Slough), as outlined in Section 12311 of Water Code.