From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request. To receive News Line, click here.

Steinberg strategy offers hope for a Delta compromise

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan took a dramatic turn in the right direction Thursday, acknowledging some of the concerns of Delta farmers by re-routing the proposed massive tunnel system to affect a smaller area and stay mostly on public land.

Coalition response…Those who benefit from the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) and the proposed tunnels will not only pay the construction costs, but also those costs associated with the operation and maintenance during the lifespan of the permit. The objective of BDCP is to obtain a 50-year endangered species permit that will improve the Delta through a long-term conservation strategy. These improvements should also increase the reliability of water supply deliveries to almost 4,000 farms and 25 million Californians from the Bay Area to San Diego. Consumers share farm water benefits through a variety of fresh, local and affordable fruits and vegetables at the grocery store.

Regardless of the facts, some individuals and organizations continue to argue against the BDCP and refuse to accept the benefits resulting from BDCP. In monetary terms, California’s economy will receive an $84 billion boost, including the creation or protection of 1.1 million jobs over the 50-year life of the permit, including an $11 billion payroll in the first ten years from construction of the project and associated habitat components. These are real economic benefits that will help California’s economy.

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