Assemblyman Frazier Says Delta Plan Amendments ‘Inherently Flawed’

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay) opposed the amendments to the Delta Plan adopted by the Delta Stewardship Council yesterday. Following is his statement, which was read into the record at the meeting.

“At last month’s Delta Stewardship Council meeting, I expressed my continued opposition to the proposed Delta Plan Amendments for Conveyance, Storage Systems and the Operation of Both. Unfortunately, I cannot remove my opposition of the version of draft amendments being considered today. There are many reasons for concern of these amendments, the first being the appearance of bias to support the design and construction of the California WaterFix. These amendments need better guidance for all methods of conveyance, including alternatives that include restoration of South Delta fresh water inflows to alleviate the concerns of salinity intrusion.

Additionally, the amendments have an inherent flaw by citing studies from vested interests. The Association of California Water Agencies is made of the very water contractors who stand to benefit from the California WaterFix and it’s highly irresponsible to cite information that is not truly independent.

On a final point, the Delta Reform Act requires before construction of conveyance projects to have contracts outlining many of the costs involved. The Council ought to include into these amendments guidance on providing financial plans and estimates of the associated costs, including ongoing and necessary maintenance and improvements. This will help to show the true costs to the taxpayers and ratepayers for any new conveyance project.

For these and other reasons, I request the Council continue to improve upon the Amendments for Conveyance, Storage Systems and the Operation of Both.”

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To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at www.asmdc.org/frazier or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011 or 925-513-0411. Follow Assemblymember Jim Frazier on Facebook and “Like” him for updates on events and happenings in the 11th AD.