Public Resources: California Coastal Act of 1976: California Coastal Planning Fund.

Assembly Member Pellerin's proposal to establish the California Coastal Planning Fund aims to provide local governments with financial resources for coastal resource protection and public access planning through a new dedicated account in the State Treasury.

The fund would support three primary activities: development and revision of local coastal programs, creation of sea level rise plans, and regulatory review costs. Local governments could receive grants, loans, and contracted services for planning efforts that demonstrate clear public benefits related to coastal protection and accessibility. The California Coastal Commission and San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission would be authorized to use up to 20 percent of annual deposits to cover staff review of these plans.

The bill outlines multiple funding sources for the account, including federal contributions, voluntary donations, grants, and participation by public agencies. The California Coastal Commission would administer the fund with authority to enter agreements, direct resources to eligible applicants, and establish funding conditions. While the commission's administrative actions would be exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act, the bill specifies that it creates no additional state funding obligations beyond monies deposited in the account.

The Legislature's findings note that the fund serves the public purpose of protecting coastal resources and access, addressing constitutional considerations regarding the use of public funds. Implementation would begin after legislative appropriation, with cities, counties, and the two commissions eligible to receive support for qualified planning activities.