California tunnel project nears construction with $200 million accountability plan

(UI) — As California prepares to move forward with construction of the Delta Conveyance Project, the Newsom Administration has introduced a $200 million plan aimed at ensuring accountability and addressing concerns of nearby communities.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced the Delta Conveyance Accountability Action Plan on Aug, 6, outlining five key initiatives designed to offset the potential impacts of tunnel construction and foster public trust. The plan includes a dedicated ombudsman office, regulatory mitigation tracking, robust project communications, community advisory groups, and a Community Benefits Program that will direct substantial investments to residents and businesses near the construction zone.

“Critics of the Delta Conveyance Project, including those in the Legislature, have repeatedly made false claims that the concerns of the communities in the Delta are not being heard,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “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.”

The project would modernize a critical segment of the State Water Project by constructing a single tunnel to move water more efficiently during periods of high flow in the Sacramento River, helping the state adapt to a changing climate and long-term droughts. According to DWR, the plan also stems from feedback received during extensive community engagement efforts and public comment periods.

First proposed in 2019 after Governor Newsom canceled a previous twin tunnel plan, the current Delta Conveyance Project has gone through formal environmental reviews and received over 7,000 public comments.

DWR officials say the accountability plan follows best practices for community transparency and aims to provide residents with tools to voice concerns and track the state’s commitments. The $200 million Community Benefits Program, in particular, is expected to deliver “tangible, lasting and measurable benefits” to those most affected.

The state continues to push for legislative action to fast-track the tunnel project, which would serve 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland across key regions including the San Joaquin Valley, Bay Area, and Southern California.

Gov. Newsom has framed the tunnel as a vital step toward securing California’s water supply in the face of hotter, drier conditions and earthquake risks.

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