Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) released the following statement in response to a letter from Congressmembers Doris Matsui (CA-06), George Miller (CA-11), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), John Garamendi (CA-03), Anna Eshoo (CA-18) and Ami Bera (CA-07) to Governor Jerry Brown; the text expressed concern regarding the assumption of federal funding for the proposed Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). To view a copy of the signed letter, click here.
“I am pleased to see members of Congress officially stepping in and addressing one of the many problematic issues surrounding the BDCP. The draft release of Chapter 8, which featured “Implementation Costs and Funding Sources,” raised widespread concern and criticism regarding the fiscal viability and overall accountability of the plan. The chapter’s text incorrectly assumes that the twin tunnel project will secure funding from many unconfirmed contributors, including $4 billion in aid from federal funding accounts.
The federal government is currently operating under reduced budgets as a result of sequestration, which has severely cut several federal funding accounts. It should be noted, however, that the funding isn’t being denied solely on the basis of sequestration cuts. The letter blatantly states that the BDCP does not warrant federal funding because it lacks ‘sound science’, ignores the concerns and participation of stakeholders, and characterizes the proposed plans and processes as ‘deeply flawed’.
I applaud the members of Congress who advocate for stakeholder participation and best-practice planning with regard to California water policy. I will continue to be an honest voice for my constituents and for California citizens by reiterating the importance of water conservation and improved water quality, responsible management of land use and development, and preservation for the environmental and economic viability and sustainability of the Delta.”
To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at http://www.asmdc.org/members/a11/ or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011 or 925-778-5790.
