Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) on Thursday, Feb. 9 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. The project was first proposed more than 60 years ago. Rep. Harder is a longtime opponent of the Delta Tunnel project, first voicing his opposition in 2018. The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Garamendi, DeSaulnier, and Thompson.

“The Delta Tunnel is a zombie project. Every time we kill it, the Governor brings it back. My bill will put an end to this $16 billion boondoggle once and for all and make sure every drop of Valley water stays right here where it belongs,” said Rep. Harder. “This is a choice between watering a family farm right here in San Joaquin County, and watering someone’s manicured green lawn down south. I’ll do what’s right for our community every single time.”

Last month, Rep. Harder held a town hall which was attended by more than 150 community members who universally oppose the Delta Tunnel project. After the meeting, he sent a letter of community feedback supported by countless constituents to the Army Corps of Engineers in Sacramento.