The Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program (DSCR) provides state funding for repairs, rehabilitation, enhancements, and other dam safety projects at existing state-jurisdictional dams and associated facilities that were in service prior to January 1, 2023. Established in 2023, the program has received a new allocation of $464 million in two rounds of funding through Proposition 4 (The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024). As a result of this new funding, the program requires new guidelines and a revised solicitation process.

Program Details

DSCR projects must provide some or all of the following public benefits. They are listed below in order of priority:

1. Protection of public safety.
2. Restoration of water storage.
3. Flood risk reduction.
4. Enhancement of water supply reliability.
5. Enhancement, protection, or restoration of habitat for fish and wildlife.
6. Protection of water quality.

Projects eligible to receive funding under the program include the following:

• Dam repairs to allow water storage to full capacity.
• New spillway and spillway repair projects at existing dams.
• Dam and reservoir seismic retrofit projects.
• Enhancement of water supply and downstream flood risk reduction such as implementation of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations.
• One-time projects to remove sediment resulting from wildfires or extraordinary storm events.
• Improvements to appurtenances to address dam safety-related deficiencies identified by the department.

In accordance with Section 6700 of the Water Code, no funds shall be awarded for raising dams, increasing reservoir space, or otherwise increasing water impoundment.

Comment Period has Closed for the Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance (DSCR) Program Draft Guidelines and PSP

DWR released the Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program draft guidelines and proposal solicitation and ranking process (PSP) for a 45-day public comment period. Up to $228 million is available through funds authorized by the California Budget Act of 2025 (Stats. 2025, Ch. 6, Sec. 144.)

The public comment period began on April 27, 2026, and closed on June 11, 2026. 

• Draft Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program Guidelines (PDF)
• Draft Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program Proposal Solicitation Package (PDF)

Materials from Public Meetings

DWR hosted public meetings to provide information about the draft Program Guidelines and PSP and provide an opportunity to submit comments. The first workshop provided an overview of the program, while the second described the tools available to help applicants with the disadvantaged and vulnerable communities sections of their applications. If you have any questions, please contact us at DSCR@water.ca.gov. 

Workshop #1 – Program Overview
Wednesday, May 27, 2026

• Presentation
• Recording (MP4 file, 336 MB)

Workshop #2 – Disadvantaged & Vulnerable Communities Tools
Tuesday, June 2, 2026

• Presentation
• Recording (MP4 file, 306 MB)