California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration announced on Thursday that the cost to build a massive tunnel to capture more water and prepare for longer droughts caused by climate change has increased to over $20 billion. The tunnel project aims to store water from the Sacramento River during major storms and send it south for storage.
Initially estimated at $16 billion in 2020, the new analysis attributes the cost increase to inflation, which surged after the pandemic. Despite the higher price tag, the project is said to yield $38 billion in benefits, primarily due to an increased water supply that would be better protected from natural disasters like earthquakes.
However, the tunnel project has faced significant opposition from environmental groups, who warn of devastating impacts on the already fragile ecosystem of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Concerns include lost agricultural land, reduced water quality, and impacts on air quality, transportation, and noise.
In addition to environmental concerns, the project has become a political flashpoint in the Central Valley’s farming communities, where it is viewed as a move by Southern California to take water from the north. Lawmakers have blocked efforts to accelerate the tunnel’s construction, with U.S. Rep. Josh Harder criticizing the project as benefiting urban areas at the expense of rural communities.
The proposed tunnel, part of the State Water Project, would be crucial in addressing water supply challenges exacerbated by climate change. State officials predict a 22% decline in water deliveries by 2070 due to climate change, making the tunnel’s increased water capture capacity essential for ensuring water security in the future.