(a) (1) The division, subject to the approval of the Legislature in accordance with Section 85.2, may make loans to qualified cities, counties, or districts having power to acquire, construct, and operate small craft harbors, for the design, planning, acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, or operation of small craft harbors and facilities in connection with the harbors, and connecting waterways, if the division finds that the project is feasible.

(2) The minimum annual rate of interest charged by the division for a loan shall be set annually by the division and shall be based on the Pooled Money Investment Account interest rate.

(b) The division shall establish, by rules and regulations, policies and standards to be followed in making loans pursuant to this section so as to further the proper development and maintenance of a statewide system of small craft harbors and connecting waterways. To the greatest extent possible, the division shall adhere to customary commercial practices to ensure that loans made pursuant to this section are adequately secured and that the loans are repaid consistent with the terms of the loan agreement. Any rules and regulations shall include policies and standards for restrooms, vessel pumpout facilities, oil recycling facilities, and receptacles for the purpose of separating, reusing, or recycling all solid waste materials.

(c) The division shall develop weighing and ranking criteria to qualify and prioritize the public loans.

(d) A loan under this section shall be repaid as provided in Section 70.

(e) Rates to be charged for the use of the boating facilities shall be established by the city, county, or district, subject to the approval of the division, in every loan contract. The division shall concern itself with the rates charged only as prescribed in Section 71.8. The rates set shall be based on a monthly berthing charge, and the division shall monitor these rates to ensure that the berthing charges are sufficient to ensure timely and complete repayment of the loan.

(f) The division may restate an existing loan under this article, upon written request by the borrower.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 26, Sec. 65. (SB 92) Effective June 27, 2017.)