Decision on California's $15.5 Billion 'WaterFix' Expected, Finally, in September

The massive project known as the California WaterFix has nearly come to its day of reckoning.

1 minute read

June 15, 2017, 10:00 AM PDT

Farming industry alongside the levees of the Sacramento River Delta. | Mark R / Shutterstock

"The state’s most powerful water agencies have set a September goal to decide whether they’re going pay for the biggest and most controversial water project California has undertaken since the 1960s," according to an article by Ryan Sabalow and Dale Kasler.

That is, "overhauling the plumbing system that pumps billions of gallons of water through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the Bay Area, Southern California and one of the nation’s most productive farm belts."

Water agencies like Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, along with agencies from Silicon Valley, Fresno, Bakersfield, and beyond, will decide in September whether or not "to pay for Gov. Jerry Brown’s $15.5 billion plan for re-engineering the fragile estuary on Sacramento’s doorstep."

Opponents to the project include farmers, environmentalists, and some politicians. Recent studies from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service provided new ammunition for opposing arguments, predicting that the project would have an adverse effect on endangered species of salmon and smelt.

FULL STORY: Why years of waiting may be over on Delta tunnels

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 in The Sacramento Bee

Environment Infrastructure California California WaterFix Bay Delta Tunnels Water Management Environmental Impacts Endangered Species California Department of Water Resources Metropolitan Water District of Southern California View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.