California Gov. Gavin Newsom is looking to speed up the process to construct the controversial Delta tunnel, a major project that would move water from the Sacramento River to Southern California.
Newsom announced during his May budget revision this week that he has included a proposal to fast-track the $20 billion Delta Conveyance Project.
The backstory: Initially proposed decades ago, Newsom has made the Delta tunnel one of his top priorities over the last few years to enhance water deliveries to Southern California.
- The 45-mile tunnel would pipe water from the Sacramento River to bypass the Delta and redirect it into Bethany Reservoir. That water would then feed into an aqueduct headed south.
- Environmental groups have opposed the project, arguing that it would hurt the Delta’s endangered fish species.
The big picture: Newsom’s budget proposal would streamline the permitting process for the Delta tunnel to eliminate some deadlines for water rights permits.
- He is also pushing to streamline the period for judicial review challenges to the project to keep it from getting held up in court.
- Further, Newsom’s proposal also confirms that the Department of Water Resources can issue bonds to fund the project.
What they’re saying: “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay,” Newsom said. “We’re done with barriers – our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”
- Other Democrats disagreed with Newsom, including Rep. Josh Harder (D–Tracy), who has been a longtime opponent of the project.
- “This $20 billion boondoggle won’t create a single drop of water for anyone, yet Sacramento is doing everything they can – including ducking the law – to force its destructive effects and ballooning costs on Delta families,” Harder said. “The Delta Tunnel is a direct attack on the region’s economy, and it’s clear that politicians care more about lawns in Beverly Hills than protecting the fruit and nut basket of the world. I’m going to fight this project tooth and nail because our very way of life is at risk.”
- Asm. Rhodesia Ransom (D–Tracy) said she has partnered with advocacy group Restore the Delta to launch an audit of the California Department of Water Resources to investigate the project.
- “I’m disappointed to see this proposal to override legal protections and statutes to violate both water and property rights,” Ransom said. “Let’s be real – this is a $20 billion water grab that shifts wealth from the San Joaquin Delta to wealthy Southern California interests. This would steal our water and harm the Central Valley’s Delta.”
