Governor Gavin Newsom announced a significant development in California’s Delta Conveyance Project, as it has received an Incidental Take Permit. This permit is crucial for advancing the project aimed at modernizing the State Water Project to capture and transport water more efficiently.
Governor Newsom emphasized that the permit represents a balance between environmental protection and water supply management. “California doesn’t have to choose between safeguarding endangered species and protecting our water supply — this permit demonstrates we can do both,” he stated.
The Delta Conveyance Project involves upgrading infrastructure to improve water capture during high-flow atmospheric rivers, enhancing resilience against dry seasons. It aims to harness periods of intense rainfall, such as those from atmospheric rivers becoming more frequent, by developing facilities along the Sacramento River in the Delta region. The goal is to ensure reliable water supplies while maintaining fishery and water quality protections.
Karla Nemeth, Director of California’s Department of Water Resources, expressed confidence in moving forward with this initiative. “We are proceeding with confidence towards implementing this critical project to protect our state’s primary supply of clean, affordable water,” she said.
The Incidental Take Permit was issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. It includes measures to minimize impacts on threatened or endangered species during construction and operation. These measures involve protective fencing around sensitive habitats, limited operating periods to avoid disrupting species’ natural behaviors, pre-construction surveys, and education programs for construction personnel on species identification and protection protocols.
This project is part of Governor Newsom’s agenda to modernize California’s water infrastructure quickly in response to climate change challenges that threaten the state’s water supply due to increased droughts and floods.
