McNerney Releases Statement Opposing Governor’s Proposal to Fast-Track Delta Tunnel Project

California Legislative Delta Caucus Co-Chair Senator Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to fast-track the Delta Tunnel Project in the state budget:

“Governor Newsom’s proposal to fast-track the costly and destructive Delta Tunnel Project in the state budget is a poorly conceived plan that the Legislature should reject. The Delta water tunnel is expected to cost at least $20 billion — and likely much more — and will destroy nearly 4,000 acres of prime farmland in the fragile Delta, along with salmon fisheries and tribal resources. Plus, the tunnel’s costs would have to be shouldered by ratepayers who are already overburdened by skyrocketing utility bills.”

“In short, California should develop a sustainable water system instead of the expensive and damaging tunnel that will not add a drop of new water to the system. The Legislature and governor should pursue alternatives that would cost far less and would safeguard California’s main water supply system without inflicting major harm to it, such as fortifying Delta levees and increasing water recycling and groundwater storage.”

State Senator Jerry McNerney is co-chair of the California Legislative Delta Caucus and is the Legislature’s representative on the Delta Protection Commission. His Senate District includes the heart of the Delta region.