California Gov. Jerry Brown is set to reignite the state's water
wars when he makes the long-awaited announcement next week about
plans to build a massive twin tunnel system to carry water from
the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farmland and cities.
Already the $23.7 billion proposal is facing heavy criticism.
Opponents say the tunnels will suck more water from the already
fragile delta, further harming its fisheries, increasing costs
for water users and devastating the area's agricultural-based
economy by destroying water quality. Last week, 11 members of
Congress from the area sent a letter to the governor and federal
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, urging them to conduct a
statewide analysis before proceeding with the plan. They
questioned the thoroughness of a report done for the state that
found the project's benefits outweigh the costs. Supporters say
the project is the long-overdue answer to pleas for a steady
water supply to adequately supply farmers and municipalities
south of the delta. They