Newsom releases accountability plan for Delta Tunnel project

(FOX40.COM) — The Department of Water Resources and the Newsom Administration reiterated support for fast-tracking the Delta Conveyance Project on Wednesday, announcing a plan aimed at helping affected communities and holding the state accountable.

Video above: Delta Tunnel Project to transfer water in California was met with controversy

The goal of the Accountability Action Plan is to minimize, avoid, or offset the potential impacts of project construction on residents, businesses, tribes, visitors to the Delta and many others, according to the Governor’s Office.

“This Accountability Action Plan shows that my administration is listening, and we are taking action to hold ourselves accountable and respond to community concerns during the construction of this important infrastructure project,” said Governor Newsom.

The plan establishes a $200 million Community Benefits Program for areas near the construction site. It will include community grants, economic development, leave-behind/repurposed infrastructure, and agreements for community-specific projects.

The project has been controversial since it was first proposed in 2019. A bipartisan group of legislators known as the California Legislative Delta Caucus issued its own statement urging leaders of the state Senate and Assembly to reject Newsom’s efforts to fast-track the project.

“Delta communities that will be devastated by this unaffordable and unnecessary project cannot be bought off with $200 million,” said Delta Caucus Co-Chairs Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson and Senator Jerry McNerny. “No amount of money can compensate for the destruction of thousands of acres of prime farmland and the loss of fisheries and historic tribal resources.”

According to the California Department of Water Resources, the goal of the Delta Conveyance Project is to improve the capture of high water flows during storm events and move that water where it is needed in the San Joaquin Valley, Southern California, the Bay Area, and the Central Coast.