Section 66704.5 - Awarding grants for eligible projects(a) The authority may raise funds and award grants to public and private entities, including, but not limited to, owners or operators of shoreline parcels in the San Francisco Bay area, excluding the Delta primary zone, for eligible projects in the counties within the authority's jurisdiction.(b) An eligible project shall do at least one of the following: (1) Restore, protect, or enhance tidal wetlands, managed ponds, or natural habitats on the shoreline in the San Francisco Bay area, excluding the Delta primary zone.(2) Build or enhance shoreline levees or other flood management features that are part of a project to restore, enhance, or protect tidal wetlands, managed ponds, or natural habitats identified in paragraph (1).(3) Provide or improve public access or recreational amenities that are part of a project to restore, enhance, or protect tidal wetlands, managed ponds, or natural habitats identified in paragraph (1).(c) In awarding grants pursuant to subdivision (a), the authority shall give priority to projects that, to the greatest extent possible, meet the selection criteria of the State Coastal Conservancy's San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 31163 of the Public Resources Code, and are consistent with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission coastal management program for the San Francisco Bay segment of the California coastal zone and the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture implementation strategy updated list of Ongoing and Potential Wetland Habitat Projects.(d) In reviewing and assessing projects, the authority shall solicit input from the advisory committee convened pursuant to Section 66703.7. The authority shall adopt a procedure for evaluating proposals in consultation with the advisory committee.(e) Grants awarded pursuant to subdivision (a) may be used to support all phases of planning, construction, monitoring, operation, and maintenance for projects that are eligible pursuant to subdivision (b).Amended by Stats 2012 ch 535 (AB 1656),s 3, eff. 1/1/2013.Added by Stats 2008 ch 690 (AB 2954),s 1, eff. 1/1/2009.