State budget deal drops Newsom bid to fast track the Delta tunnel

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s attempt to circumvent parts of the state mandated environmental review process to fast track the controversial Delta tunnel has been scuttled for now.

Newsom last month tucked language fast tracking the $20 billion plus project into this year’s budget that would have effectively eliminated environmental and judicial review of the project.

State Senator Jerry McNerney, who represents San Joaquin County, said the move was essentially giving the state a blank check to float bonds to pay for the water tunnel.

On Wednesday, however, in order for Newsom to secure a budget deal to address a $12 billion deficit, McNerney and other Delta tunnel opponents got Newsom’s language dropped.

“Keeping the tunnel fast-tracking proposal out of the state budget is an important victory for California and the Delta, and for the communities, farms, and historic resources surrounding the largest estuary on the West Coast,” McNerney said.

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