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New state law establishes a formal process through which local governments, state agencies, tribes, and other local organizations can apply to the Board of Water Resources for state funding to build new dams and reservoirs or to expand the capacity of existing ones that have shrunk due to sediment buildup. The board evaluates applications against specific criteria — including whether water rights exist at the site, whether the project serves a regional benefit, and whether construction can begin within five years — and then annually reports its funding recommendations to a legislative committee, though those recommendations do not obligate the Legislature to act or spend money.