Unless the context otherwise requires, all of the following definitions govern the construction of this chapter.

(a) “Account” means the Bay-Delta Ecosystem Restoration Account created by Section 78684.6.

(b) “Bay-delta ecosystem” means the bay-delta and its tributary watersheds.

(c) “CALFED Bay-Delta Program” or “program” means the undertaking by CALFED to develop, by means of the programmatic EIS/EIR, a preferred alternative of programs, actions, projects, and related activities which will provide solutions to identified problem areas related to the bay-delta ecosystem.

(d) (1) “Eligible project” means a project or program, or an element of a project or program, identified in the final programmatic EIS/EIR, that is intended to improve and increase aquatic and terrestrial habitats and improve ecological functions in the bay-delta ecosystem.

(2) Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, projects or programs with any of the following purposes:

(A) The protection and enhancement of existing habitat.

(B) The restoration of tidal, shallow water, riparian, riverine, wetlands, and other habitats.

(C) The expansion of wetlands protection programs.

(D) The acquisition of water for instream flow improvements.

(E) Improved habitat management.

(F) Improved management of introduced species.

(G) Improved fish protection and management.

(3) Eligible projects shall not include any of the following:

(A) Any water conveyance facilities.

(B) Any component of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program that is not identified in the final programmatic EIS/EIR as a component of the ecosystem restoration element.

(C) Any programs or projects undertaken to offset or avoid adverse environmental conditions which the final programmatic EIS/EIR determines would be caused by the construction, operation, or implementation of any element of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program other than the ecosystem restoration element.

(e) “Programmatic EIS/EIR” means the programmatic environmental impact statement/environmental impact report that is prepared by CALFED for the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 135, Sec. 1. Approved in Proposition 204 at the November 5, 1996, election.)