In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, and without limiting the express or implied powers of the conservancy in implementing other provisions of this division, the conservancy shall have, and may exercise, all necessary rights and powers, expressed or implied, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Without limitation, the conservancy may do all of the following:

(a) (1) Acquire interests and options in real property and make acquisition grants for these purposes.

(2) With respect to real property acquisitions by the conservancy of watersheds and lands that are within the Santa Ana River region but not within one-half mile on either side of the riverbed of the Santa Ana River, the conservancy shall provide to the city or county with geographic jurisdiction over the affected real property 30 days’ written notice of the conservancy’s intent, unless the city or county agrees to accept less notice in a given case.

(b) Exercise a right of first refusal, to the extent not in conflict with another law, for surplus public agency property located within the Santa Ana River region, consistent with the Santa Ana River Parkway and Open Space Plan, adopted pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 31174.

(c) Lease, rent, sell, exchange, or transfer interests in real property.

(d) (1) Undertake or fund projects to implement site improvements, upgrade deteriorating facilities or construct new facilities for outdoor recreation, public access, nature appreciation and interpretation; historic and cultural preservation; or protection, restoration, or enhancement of natural resources and habitat.

(2) If the conservancy intends to undertake a project directly, the conservancy shall provide 30 days’ written notice to the city or county with geographic jurisdiction over the affected real property, unless the city or county agrees to accept less notice in a given case.

(e) Provide for the management of program lands.

(f) Fix and collect fees for the use of any land owned or controlled, or for any service provided, by the conservancy. The amount of the fees shall not exceed the reasonable cost of maintaining and operating the land or providing the services rendered by the conservancy.

(g) The conservancy may apply for and accept grants, gifts, donations of money and property, subventions, rents, royalties, and other assistance from public and private sources. These funds shall be deposited in the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program Account, as specified in Section 31179, for use in furthering the program.

(h) Recruit and coordinate volunteers and experts to conduct interpretive and recreational programs, and assist with construction projects and the maintenance of facilities.

(i) Enter into contracts and joint powers agreements.

(j) Sue and be sued.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 562, Sec. 1. (SB 1390) Effective January 1, 2015.)