(Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary and the heads of specified Federal agencies to implement Stage 1 (projects and programs planned for the first seven years) if such an activity has been subject to environmental review and approval under Federal and State law and has been certified by the Calfed Policy Group to be consistent with the Record of Decision.
Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for the following Program projects: (1) water storage; (2) conveyance; (3) water use efficiency; (4) water transfers; (5) the Environmental Water Account; (6) integrated regional water management plans; (7) ecosystem restoration; (8) watersheds; (9) water quality; (10) levee stability; (11) science; and (12) program management, oversight, and coordination. Authorizes the Secretary and the agency heads to carry out these activities through the use of grants, loans, contracts, and cooperative agreements with Federal and non-federal entities.
(Sec. 4) Requires the Federal agencies to: (1) coordinate their activities with the stage agencies; (2) cooperate with local and tribal governments and the public; and (3) implement the Program using the best available scientific information and scientific review.
Directs the Secretary and the Federal agency heads to operate under the Calfed Bay-Delta Program Implementation Memorandum of Understanding until the Memorandum is replaced by a permanent governing structure developed with their State counterparts. Urges Federal and State agencies to continue to collaborate to develop a comprehensive environmental justice work plan for the Program.
(Sec. 5) Requires the submission of: (1) annual Calfed Policy Group status reports; (2) an annual statement of whether the Program is progressing in a balanced manner in accordance with specified criteria; (3) a revised implementation schedule, if necessary; and (4) annual financial reports.
(Sec. 6) Requires the President's budget to include requests for an appropriate funding level for Program activities. Authorizes appropriations for the Program for FY 2003 through 2005.
(Sec. 7) Prohibits the Federal share of the total cost of implementing Stage 1 of the Program from exceeding 33.3 percent.