This is just one post in the Other Delta Issues Category

Approval of urgent Delta projects long overdue, says editorial

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on June 29, 2008 at 7:06 am

From the Contra Costa County Times, this editorial:

In November of 2006, California voters had the foresight to approve Propositions 84 and 1E, which authorized $9.5 billion in bond money for water projects. Prop. 84 was a $5.4 billion measure for water infrastructure projects, while Prop. 1E approved $4.1 for new and upgraded levees, and other flood protection projects.

The Contra Costa Water District identified several short-, medium- and long-term projects to protect the Delta from earthquake damage and flooding. Many of the short-term projects won widespread support from local, regional and statewide interests, including water districts, environmentalists and water users.

Despite voter approval of the money, broad support by virtually all interested parties and the urgency of the projects, no Prop. 84 funds were allocated.

As a result, four much-needed projects were delayed. They include:

Stockpiling rock to be used to quickly block salt water from inundating fresh water in the Delta in case of an earthquake.

Strengthening weak levees to prevent Katrina-like flooding, which is a very real threat with heavy rainfall.

Screens at Clifton Forebay to allow for adequate pumping of fresh water without harming fish.

Other projects to improve conditions for Delta smelt and water quality.

There is no good reason why these projects were not under way in 2007.

Legislation was introduced last year to fund Prop 84 projects, but was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger, who did not want to approve any measure that didn’t include funding for reservoirs.

We appreciate the governor’s support of new water storage facilities. We have long advocated for new water storage because California needs them if it is to retain its huge agricultural industry.

However, building reservoirs is a long-term vision. Funding Prop. 84 is a critical short-term necessity. The governor should not have killed funding that could be used right now to meet urgent Delta needs in order to try to get approval for building reservoirs a decade or more from now.

Read more from this editorial from the Contra Costa County Times by clicking here.

June 29, 2008 · Filed Under Other Delta Issues