2005 California Government Code Sections 54280-54281 CHAPTER 5.5. WATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

54280.  As used in this chapter:
   (a) "Local agency" means county, city, or any public district
empowered to distribute water or engage in flood control.
   (b) "United States" includes any department, board, agency, or
officer thereof.
   (c) "State" means the State of California or any department,
agency, or officer thereof.
54281.  For the purpose of carrying out the objective of Public Law
85-883, September 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1706 (42 U.S.C. 1958a-1958g),
which contemplates the construction, operation, and maintenance of a
sea water conversion demonstration plant upon the West Coast of the
United States, or any other act of Congress relating to sea water
conversion plants which requires or contemplates local participation,
any local agency acting directly, or by entering into a contract or
contracts with the State, the United States, or any other local
agency or agencies, or with any combination of them, may acquire,
construct, operate, and maintain any sea water conversion
demonstration plant as defined in Public Law 85-883 and all works and
facilities necessary therefor.  A local agency may also acquire
water, sea water, and energy necessary therefor, may sell or buy or
lease any such plant, or the products of any such plant, acquired or
constructed under this chapter or under any act of Congress, may
acquire and operate and maintain any sea water conversion plant or
demonstration plant, and may make available to the State or the
United States upon such terms as are mutually agreeable any funds or
real or personal property of the local agency.