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

In response: Smaller proposal doesn’t fill big need 

Coalition response…Secretary Laird is correct that California must plan for a dependable water supply in the future. The recent proposal of constructing an undersized, 3,000 cfs tunnel does not provide sufficient water to meet our needs or safeguard our water supply in a time of crisis. According to estimates, this smaller tunnel would cut off the supply of water to more than 750,000 acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley. That means the possibility of fewer fresh food choices and higher prices at the grocery store.

Governor Brown’s preferred alternative calls for two tunnels with a capacity of 9,000 cfs. This proposal safeguards today’s water supply and is designed to more adequately meet our water supply needs in the future. Now is not the time to shortchange California with a low-cost proposal that is short on value.