The State Coastal Conservancy develops and implements programs to protect, restore and enhance natural, recreational, and economic resources along California's coast, coastal watersheds, the ocean, and within the San Francisco Bay Area. Through direct funding and grants to local agencies and nonprofit organizations, the Coastal Conservancy supports the following projects:

• Restoration and enhancement of the natural environment and scenic lands.
• Development of public access.
• Protection of agricultural lands through purchase of development rights and fee interests.
• Resolution of land-use and development conflicts.
• Restoration of urban waterfronts to increase tourism and public access, provide parks and open space, and encourage private-sector development.
• Restoration of watersheds and ocean resources to improve water quality and improve habitat values.
• Acquisition of threatened resource lands.
• Education programs on coastal resources for kindergarten through grade 12.

The 2013-14 Governor's Budget proposes to consolidate oversight of ocean protection functions within the office of the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency. Therefore, the Ocean Protection Council, which was formerly administered by the State Coastal Conservancy, is now displayed in 0540 Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency.

Since department programs drive the need for infrastructure investment, each department has a related capital outlay program to support this need. For the specifics on the State Coastal Conservancy's Capital Outlay Program, see "Infrastructure Overview."