California Delta Plan Would Build Tunnels To Pump Water
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Officials working to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem have released more details on a proposed pump-building project that would boost water supplies to farms and cities.
The California Natural Resources Agency released thousands of pages in the preliminary draft of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan on Wednesday.
The 50-year plan calls for building two tunnels to divert water around the delta and keep water pumps away from fish. It also outlines the creation of nearly 120,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat to mitigate the tunnels' impact.
Documents show the project initially could harm some fish species, but would benefit them in the long run.
Officials say they hope to finalize the plan later this year. It still needs state and local approval before building can begin.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
