Wat. Code, § 12923

It is the intention of the Legislature that the department shall, whenever money has been appropriated for the purpose, initiate or participate in investigations, studies, plans and design criteria for construction of any project, or projects, deemed by the department to be practical, economically feasible and urgently needed to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

It is the further intention of the Legislature that upon the submission by any local agency, or agencies, to the department of plans and design criteria for any project, or projects, a review, evaluation and any necessary revision of such plans and design criteria shall be made by the department to insure that construction of such project, or projects, will accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

It is the further intention of the Legislature that where a local agency, or agencies, has duly instituted a project, the department may provide technical assistance to the local agency. Any participation by the department shall be pursuant to a cooperative agreement between the department and local agency which clearly outlines the area of participation, the reporting procedure, and the maximum limitation upon cost. Funds for the technical assistance provided under this section shall be as set forth in the cooperative agreement with substantial participation or cost sharing, or both, by the local agency.