Resources Legacy Fund

Beginning in 2001, the Hewlett, Moore, and Packard Foundations explored the value of acquiring and restoring property ringing the South Bay and Napa County from Cargill, Inc. This led to a multi-agency acquisition in 2003 of approximately 16,500 acres at a cost of $100 million, with each foundation contributing approximately $6 million. Each foundation also contributed an additional $5 million over five years to support the initial stewardship of and long-term restoration planning for the former Cargill salt ponds and processing areas. In determining next steps for continued restoration efforts, this new grant would support an economic analysis of potential restoration and its application to flood control needs in the Bay Area. The primary deliverable will be a report that addresses potential sources of funding for salt pond restoration and flood protection improvements, including federal, state, local, and private sector options. (The report will not give recommendations.)