SPARKS — The Truckee Meadows Water Authority board of directors has approved $40,000 to fund the second phase of a Truckee River wetlands restoration project in Truckee, Calif.

The Truckee River Watershed Council is overseeing an effort to restore what was once a natural watershed in urban Truckee to its original condition. The project also would improve storm water control and management.

TMWA project manager Ron Penrose said city development has deteriorated the watershed.

“This grant helps with the design and permeating of a restoration project and with the intent to improve connectivity of a natural watershed while maintaining water quality and reducing sediment flow,” Penrose said.

Penrose said flow tenuation, or the process by which the river’s water runoff is decreased, would help reduce soil erosion and the release of sediments.

The first phase of the project involved conducting baseline studies. The second phase will focus on design and working with landowners in Truckee to acquire easements, all in preparation for the third phase and the start of construction work.

“It should be a good project,” Penrose said.

According to TMWA staff reports, the Truckee River Watershed Council has agreed to provide an in-kind match of $10,000.