Governor Newsom Attempts To Fast-Track Delta Conveyance Project Water Tunnel

At a May 20 news conference for the Leaders of the Legislative Delta Caucus, State Sen. Jerry McNerney said, “The governor is saying it’s going to be $20 billion, but we know it’s going to be a lot more than that; this cost is unaffordable.”

McNerney represents the 5th district, which includes Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Sunol, as well as San-Joaquin County.

“The project would have to be paid for by ratepayers who are already overburdened with soaring utility costs and aren’t even aware of how the cost of this is going to impact them in their pocketbooks,” McNerney said. “The 45-mile-long tunnel project will destroy thousands of acres of prime farmland and the fragile Delta region.

“We call for the governor to bring this proposal through the regular legislative process, as any other policy. The Delta Caucus is urging the legislature and governor to pursue far less costly measures than the Delta Tunnel by increasing groundwater storage, expanding water recycling and improving water efficiency.”

To read the full report, click here.