Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta FRESNO, CA (AP) - A half-dozen
water agencies have cast their lot with environmental groups in
calling on California to study a scaled-down alternative to the
$14 billion twin delta tunnels endorsed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Proponents say a single, smaller tunnel coupled with local water
supply development such as water recycling and desalination
could result in more water. They say it also would be better for
the environment and cost less - with construction estimated at
$5 billion to $7 billion. The new proposal also includes
strengthening delta levees, investing in water storage, and
40,000 acres of habitat restoration. Proponents want the state
to consider it as a stand-alone alternative during the ongoing
environmental review process. Agricultural groups say a scaled-
down conveyance project would be devastating to farmers in the
Central Valley. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the
hub of the state's water delivery system. The estuary's ailing
health has led to regulation