FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – California’s largest water agency approved a nearly $11 billion plan Tuesday to help fund two enormous tunnels.
The board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California voted 61% to 39% to support the California Waterfix in its entirety.
The Department of Water Resources released a statement from Director Karla Nemeth regarding the Board’s decision:
“Today’s decision by MWD’s Board is a clear demonstration that they see the public benefit and value in pursuing WaterFix. This smart investment will protect billions of dollars in ratepayer investment, provide generations of Californians with clean drinking water and address the Delta’s worsening health.
While Los Angeles and Southern California are wisely working to become more self-sufficient through local projects such as groundwater recharge and recycling, this imported supply is still critical to the region’s success especially under climate change. DWR looks forward to our continued partnership in their local efforts.
The state is eager to move forward with WaterFix to protect the Delta ecosystem and ensure a reliable water supply for the future. I am pleased that the directors of MWD, who have a long history of forward-thinking leadership in water management, are making progress to build on their local sustainability efforts by shoring up the reliability of this critical water supply.”
Governor Jerry Brown issued the following statement regarding the vote: “This is a historic decision that is good for California – our people, our farms and our natural environment.”
On Monday, Gov. Brown sent a letter to Metropolitan Water District board members urging them to support the project – in full.
The controversial plan to remake the state’s water system still faces intense opposition from other agencies.
