Lake and streambed alteration agreements: exemptions: culverts and bridges.

Assembly Member Gallagher's proposal to modify California's lake and streambed alteration requirements would create a temporary exemption for certain bridge and culvert repairs in Sutter County. The measure allows reconstruction projects on bridges up to 30 feet long and culverts up to 70 feet long to proceed without standard environmental review when damage occurs from natural disasters like fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, or landslides.

The exemption applies specifically to Sutter County infrastructure damaged in or after 2021 and remains in effect through January 1, 2027. While these projects would not require the typical lake and streambed alteration agreement from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, entities must still notify the department within 14 days of starting work. Projects that fall outside the specified parameters or fail to provide proper notification would remain subject to existing environmental review requirements.

The bill's findings cite Sutter County's rural transportation infrastructure as vital for emergency evacuation routes, requiring an expedited repair process through specialized local provisions. Under current law, any substantial changes to waterways or their surrounding features require advance notification to state wildlife officials and potential environmental review agreements before work can begin.