Why are annual fees needed and what do they fund?
Since 2003, the dam safety program has been funded entirely from the combination of dam application fees and annual fees. Senate Bill 1049 (Chapter 741, Statutes of 2003) set forth the general fee structure which, is periodically adjusted for cost of living increases, as outlined in Section 6307 of the Water Code. These fees support a wide variety of activities, including the monitoring of dams in certified status, application review and construction inspection work, and engineering studies which include hydrologic, structural, and seismic stability re-evaluations. The percentages for the foregoing activities are generally 35, 35, and 25 percent, respectively. The remaining portion funds our general administrative and office costs.
