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002521 . . the State Department of Health Services to allocate certain grant money available to Southern California water agencies on a competitive basis for projects to reduce Colorado River water use, including projects undertaken jointly with other entities. SB 117 On February 3, 2003, State Senators Machado and Kuehl introduced S.B. 117 which declares it is the intent of the Legislature that the Coachella Valley Water District, the Imperial Irrigation District, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California approve the Quantification Settlement Agreement so that certain federal guidelines relating to the Colorado River may be reinstated by the United States Department of Interior and that the transfer of water from the Imperial Irrigation District to the San Diego County Water Authority be implemented. The bill further declares that it is the intent of the Legislature that the QSA be consistent with the state's commitment to the restoration of the Salton Sea. SB 317 On February 19, 2003, State Senator Kuehl introduced S.B. 317 which addresses various sections of the California Fish and Game Code related to "fully protected" species, and the California Water Code related to the Salton Sea. The proposed legislation makes legislative fmdings concerning the Salton Sea and the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA). Additionally, the legislation provides the California Department of Fish Game with the authority to provide incidental take authorization for species currently classified as "fully protected." Major provisions of the proposed legislation include the following: (I) Provides $SO million to assist in the implementation of restoration activities and the preferred alternative related to implementation of the QSA, and QSA-related activities; (2) Amends the California Fish and Game Code to provide incidental take authorization for fully protected species potentially affected by QSA- related activities; (3) Proclaims that restoration of the Salton Sea is in the State and national interest; (4) Provides for execution of the QSA to be extended indefinitely; (S) Requires that implementation of the QSA will not materially increase the salinity of the Salton Sea, or foreclose Salton Sea reclamation activities; (6) Provides for the Secretary of Resources to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between the Resources Agency, Governor, and Secretary of the Department of the Interior for the purpose of developing alternatives to meet the objectives of the Salton Sea Reclamation Act of 1998 (P.L. I OS- 372); (7) provides for the Secretary of Resources to establish an advisory committee and for the Resources Agency to consult with the Advisory Committee while developing Salton Sea reclamation a1tcrnatives; and (8) Releases the liability of the Imperial Irrigation District for effects to the Salton Sea or bordering areas related to implementation of water conservation measures related to the QSA. 7