The California Delta tunnel system: latest news on its planning

Construction of the tunnel system on the California Delta is about to change hands and pass over to a new Enterprise, consisting of the California Department of Water Resources, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Kern County Water Agency and other water contractors. The particular arrangement will become operational as of June 1. 

Diversion tunnels in the California Delta aim in improving the water delivery system for 25 million residents and 3 million acres of farmland across the state. They are part of the greater Bay Delta Conservation Plan, a $25 billion project, which will satisfy the increasing water demand in the area, while protecting the largest estuary on the West Coast of the Americas. The project also includes the restoration of 100,000 acres of habitat to protect endangered species, among which the Delta smelt and the Chinook salmon. The project includes the construction of three large water intakes on the Sacramento River near Courtland, which will supply with water two tunnels, each 40 feet in diameter and 150 feet underground. From there, water will be diverted to existing canals (state and federal) near Tracy.

The new Enterprise will be managed by a consultant selected by DWR, and staffed by employees from DWR as well as other contractors and consultants, who will cooperate until completion of the construction process. This is estimated to last about a decade and upon completion of the tunels the Enterprise will be dissolved. The design and planning of the tunnels will be undertaken by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, given the agency's experience in past projects, such as the tunnel in the San Bernardino Mountains. All bids will pass through DWR's legal authorities and its director will still be able to pose a veto over any decision. DWR will also be responsible for all land acquisitions.

Although DWR will still hold authority over the new organization, there is increasing public concern that the participation of contractors and water diverters is going to harm the Delta residents' interests.