Newsom’s plan to fast-track Delta tunnel project blasted by local officials

State Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, also lambasted the plan.

“Governor Newsom’s proposal to fast-track the costly and destructive Delta Tunnel Project in the state budget is a poorly conceived plan” that would destroy 4,000 acres of farmland, including salmon fisheries and tribal assets, he said.

“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,” McNerney said in a statement. “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.”

He recommended strengthening Delta levees, increasing efforts to recycle water and boosting the amount of groundwater storage.

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