February 5, 2019 - Washington - Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris (both D-Calif.) on Monday introduced the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Act, a bill to establish California’s first National Heritage Area.
“The Delta is one of the most productive and ecologically important watersheds in the country,” said Senator Feinstein. “Our bill recognizes the Delta’s important contributions to California and helps secure additional resources to protect its rich culture and history. Establishing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area will ensure future generation can enjoy everything this region has to offer.”
“Generations of families have enjoyed the abundance of the Delta, and we must preserve that opportunity for generations to come. That’s why I’m proud to work with Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi to introduce this bill establishing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a National Heritage Area, which would bolster conservation and economic development projects for this environmentally, culturally, and historically rich region.” said Senator Harris.
The bill would establish the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a National Heritage Area, to be managed by the Delta Protection Commission. It authorizes $10 million in federal assistance over 15 years to provide matching grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations. This federal funding is necessary to help implement the locally developed National Heritage Area management plan to promote environmental stewardship, heritage conservation and economic development projects throughout the Delta.
The bill would have no effect on water rights, water contracts or property rights and creates no new regulatory authority or burden on local government or private citizens. The bill would also have no effect on fishing and hunting within the National Heritage Area.
Congressman John Garamendi (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The full text of the legislation is available here. A map of the proposed National Heritage Area is available here. 
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein
