California: Delta Conveyance Project receives critical federal clearance to advance construction
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~ Sacramento - The Delta Conveyance Project, a crucial infrastructure project aimed at improving water resilience and supply for millions of Californians, has received a significant federal clearance this week. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced that they have received Biological Opinions from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the construction and maintenance activities related to the project.

This milestone marks the completion of the Endangered Species Act process for construction, bringing the project one step closer to implementation. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his gratitude towards the federal government for their partnership in moving this project forward. He emphasized the urgency of completing this project to meet California's future water needs.

The recent clearance comes after a decision from the Delta Stewardship Council in April, which largely upheld a certification of consistency for the Delta Conveyance Project. This decision left only two technical issues to be resolved in future proceedings, reaffirming that the project can be built while also protecting the delicate ecosystem of the Delta.

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The Delta Conveyance Project is crucial in ensuring that California can continue to provide water to all its residents through the State Water Project, which serves 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. With hotter and drier conditions expected in the future, California is projected to lose 10% of its water supply by 2040, putting millions of Californians at risk. The reliability of the State Water Project could also decrease by up to 23%. The Delta Conveyance Project aims to offset and recover these potential losses caused by climate change.

In addition to improving water supply reliability, the Delta Conveyance Project will also prioritize fishery and water quality protections. During last year's atmospheric rivers, it could have captured enough water for 9.8 million people's yearly usage.

The State Water Project spans from Oroville to Riverside and serves 29 public water agencies, primarily in the South Bay, Central Coast, South Coast, Inland Empire, and Kern County. These local public water agencies cover the costs of operating the State Water Project. Without the completion of the Delta Conveyance Project, the reliability of delivering water to homes, farms, and businesses will decline.

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Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to this project during his first State of the State address. He has since been actively working towards its progress, including DWR's certification of a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state.

The Governor's efforts to move this project forward align with his overall goal of building more and faster for all Californians. For more information on this project and other infrastructure developments in California, visit build.ca.gov.

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