Newsom's budget proposal to fast-track Delta tunnel project draws backlash from local officials

"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," said State Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), co-chair of the California Legislative Delta Caucus. "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."

McNerney added that the tunnel "will not add a drop of new water to the system."

He suggested other options, such as fortifying the Delta's levees and increasing groundwater storage.

For the full report, click here.