Harder Releases Scathing Statement On Disastrous Final Delta Tunnel Plan

Final Delta Tunnel plan to ship Central Valley’s water to Beverly Hills would impact thousands of acres of farmland

Public opposition to the project is nearly unanimous in the Central Valley

STOCKTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) released a scathing statement on Sacramento’s latest step to build the disastrous Delta Tunnel. The $16 billion water grab would build a tunnel straight through the middle of San Joaquin County and ship the Central Valley’s water south to Beverly Hills. This new plan is part of an anticipated final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and would gravely harm the Central Valley’s water supply and economy.

“This updated plan is still exactly what we thought - a disastrous water grab to steal our Valley water,” said Rep. Harder. “Sacramento is hellbent on spending $16 billion of our taxpayer dollars to ship our water down south so Beverly Hills can have green lawns. It’s a complete disgrace. Our community is universally opposed to this project and we will not stop fighting this tooth and nail.” 

Earlier this year, Rep. Harder reintroduced his Stop the Delta Tunnel Act which prohibits the Army Corps of Engineers from issuing a federal permit necessary for the State of California to build the Delta Conveyance Project, commonly known as the Delta Tunnel. The Delta Tunnel would ship water from the Central Valley south and would cost taxpayers $16 billion. Rep. Harder is a longtime opponent of the Delta Tunnel project, first voicing his opposition in 2018.

In January and February, Rep. Harder held two water town halls that were attended by more than 200 community members who universally oppose the Delta Tunnel project. After the meetings in French Camp and Lodi, he sent letters of community feedback supported by countless constituents to the Army Corps of Engineers in Sacramento.

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