Developing and maintaining plans for financing the construction of additional units for the State Water Project is one of the many functions performed by the staff of the Project Cost Branch. They also calculate all costs for operating the State Water Project and present an annual Statement of Charges to each of the 29 long-term water supply contractors.

Each contractor is required to pay its appropriate share of the total costs necessary to construct, operate and maintain the State Water Project. Those costs run into millions of dollars. Staff works diligently throughout the year to ensure that the charges are accurate. Their work involves developing and maintaining systems to ensure the continued accuracy and timely determination of charges. Each year this branch publishes a series of tables associated with specific contract provisions which are then used to determine specific charges.

In addition, staff of this branch prepare the Department's annual report to the Legislature on the costs of various recreational facilities associated with the State Water Project. These facilities were made a part of the State Water Project by the Davis-Dolwig Act, which was passed shortly after the Project was approved by the voters in 1960, and are, therefore, paid for by the Project contractors.

This report, Appendix D, Cost of Recreation and Fish and Wildlife Enhancement, of Bulletin 132, Management of the California State Water Project, is available from the Department's Publications Office. Contact that office at (916) 653-1097 or e-mail ImR-Publications@water.ca.gov to request a free copy of Appendix D.  See our Publications Web page to learn more about Bulletin 132.

For additional information about the branch's activities, please contact Pedro Villalobos.