District joins agencies across California in contributing funding for the project’s pre-construction activities in 2026 and 2027
Press release from the Metropolitan Water District:
Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors voted today to provide additional funding for planning costs for a project that could modernize statewide infrastructure that delivers water to 27 million Californians.
Metropolitan’s 38-member board approved $142 million to fund its share of environmental planning and pre-construction costs for the Delta Conveyance Project in 2026 and 2027.
The project is an initiative to increase the long-term reliability of the State Water Project and make it more resilient to climate extremes, sea level rise and earthquakes. The State Water Project delivers water from the northern Sierra to communities across California, providing about 30% of the water used in Southern California.
“After careful consideration, our board took this step because it allows us to gather critical information about the project’s benefits and costs that will allow us to evaluate whether we will participate in the full construction of the project,” said Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr.
“Along with our investments in storage, a more resilient distribution system, conservation and local supplies, the State Water Project remains a cornerstone of water reliability for the 19 million people in our service area,” he added. “Without it, salinity in our water could become unmanageable.”
The Delta Conveyance Project is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s portfolio approach to water management and calls for the construction of new conveyance facilities in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The project has been under review for more than a decade by experts in engineering, water management, science, and habitat protection.
Most recently, it has been refined and includes the construction of two new intakes on the Sacramento River in the north Delta, an underground tunnel 45 miles in length and 36 feet in diameter, and a pumping plant to lift water from the terminus of the pipeline into the Bethany Reservoir at the beginning of the California Aqueduct.
“As California faces the growing challenges of climate change and shifting precipitation patterns, we must consider all our options for ensuring Southern California has a reliable water supply for decades to come,” said Metropolitan Interim General Manager Deven Upadhyay. “Deciding where to invest our resources requires a thorough understanding of each option, and this funding will ensure we have that information.”
The approved funding allows planning and pre-construction work to continue, with Metropolitan contributing its proportionate share of 47.2% of the estimated $300 million in planning costs for 2026 and 2027, totaling approximately $142 million. In 2020, Metropolitan’s Board approved funding for pre-construction activities over the past four years, including the completion of the final Environmental Impact Report, permitting efforts, benefit-cost analyses, and extensive outreach to Tribes, environmental justice communities, and other stakeholders.
“This has been a collaborative process in which we have worked with the state to ensure permitting and certification processes will be completed in 2026 and that we will see project benefits proportionate to our funding level,” Ortega said. “We are also pleased that the state provided safeguards to mitigate spending if circumstances prevent key components of planning from moving forward. The state also committed to identifying new, long-term financing approaches for the project, while also developing ways to improve the near-term reliability of State Water Project infrastructure.”
A future decision would come before the Board in 2027 based on further design and permitting, as well as updates to the cost estimate and further definition around project benefits, to determine whether Metropolitan will participate in the construction of the project.
From the Governor:
“Thanks to today’s vote by the Metropolitan Water District, the Delta Conveyance Project now has the continued support of water districts serving more than half our state. This project is one of the nation’s most important infrastructure projects in generations because it will protect access to clean and safe drinking water for 27 million Californians. We’re building the momentum we need to build this project and others across the state, faster.”
MWD follows 11 other water agencies throughout the state that have also voted in favor of moving the next phase of funding for planning and design of the project forward.
“While Los Angeles and Southern California are working to become more self-sufficient through local projects such as groundwater recharge and recycling, imported water from the State Water Project is still critical to the region’s success especially under climate change,” said California Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth.
Click here to read the full press release.
From Restore the Delta:
Today, the Metropolitan Water District Board approved $141 million to continue planning the Delta Tunnel project—a move that furthers an unjust water grab from California’s Delta communities. Secretary Wade Crowfoot misled the Board, falsely claiming collaboration with Delta residents, despite having no meetings with these communities since 2019.
The Delta Tunnel, built on flawed voluntary agreements, seeks to divert vital river water into a costly tunnel funded by MWD ratepayers. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom aims to expand the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural economy at the expense of the Delta’s environment, communities, and Southern California ratepayers. This project fails to address real climate-resilient water solutions or deliver affordable outcomes for Californians.
While today’s decision moves the project forward, it faces numerous permitting and legal hurdles. Restore the Delta remains steadfast in opposing this harmful plan and will continue fighting to protect the Delta, its people, and its ecosystems.
From the State Water Contractors:
“The State Water Contractors are pleased to see that the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will continue its participation in the next phase of planning and preconstruction activities for the Delta Conveyance Project.
The Delta Conveyance Project will build climate and earthquake resiliency into the foundation of California’s water infrastructure, better preparing us for increased periods of drought and climate extremes. Agencies like MWD want to continue the important work that has already begun to fully study and construct this project.
The vote to continue funding also recognizes that the State Water Project is the most affordable and reliable source of imported water available. Even as urban water agencies continue to invest in local water supply projects, reliable imports will always be foundational.
We’re grateful for the continued support of all participating water agencies and look forward to our ongoing collaboration as we work to deliver on a project that will create a more stable water future for the 27 million people, 750,000 acres of farmland, and countless businesses that rely on the State Water Project every day.”
