Congressman Garamendi’s Statement on Westlands Water District Twin Tunnels Announcement

Good News for the Delta, Westlands Water District Pulls Out of Twin Tunnels Project, Metropolitan Water District Has Grave Doubts

DAVIS, CA – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Davis, Fairfield, Yuba City, CA), the former U.S. Deputy Interior Secretary, today issued the following statement after the Westlands Water Districts backed out of the proposed twin tunnels:

“This week, the Westlands Water District voted to reject the California WaterFix. They came to realize what Delta residents have known for so long: the twin tunnels are a boondoggle, a real financial disaster. According to media reports, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California also has grave doubts about their continued support for the twin tunnels. This vote by Westlands is a major step forward in defeating the twin tunnels once and for all, but we are not out of the woods yet.

"It’s time for all Californians to move forward on a water plan that addresses all of California’s future water needs: A plan that does not include the twin tunnels, and fully utilizes Proposition 1 funding. Californians must continue to conserve water, build water storage facilities above and below ground, recycle water, and improve the health of California’s watersheds. It is time for our great state to come together and address its water needs in a comprehensive manner."