A recent article from SJV Water highlights a steady decline in support for the controversial Delta Tunnel project among Kern County agricultural water districts over the past year. Support dropped sharply again following the Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Water Storage District’s decision to cut its contribution by nearly 97%, from $4.6 million to just $146,000.
The piece adds to growing evidence of waning backing for the project, particularly amid concerns about its estimated $20 billion price tag and ongoing transparency issues. Key uncertainties remain, including how the tunnel would be operated and how excess water would be allocated. The article also notes that several other major water contractors in Kern County have already reduced their participation, with four more considering similar cuts.
As Cawelo Water District General Manager Dave Ansolabehere told SJV Water,
“It’s very difficult to keep going back to the farmers and ask for more money when we’ve been paying into this for so long with nothing to show for it…Hopefully, this (reduction in support from Kern members) will grab DWR’s attention. For as long as this project has been going on it’s just pathetic for California.”
These funding cuts follow a December 2025 appellate court ruling that found the Department of Water Resources (DWR) lacked the legal authority to issue billions in bonds for the Delta Tunnel project. Combined with declining financial commitments from major water contractors, this raises serious questions about DWR’s ability to fund the project moving forward.
Read more from SJV Water here.
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