California governor makes big change to giant water project

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom scrapped a $16 billion plan Thursday to build two giant water tunnels to reroute the state's water system and instead directed state agencies to restart planning for a single tunnel.

The move is a blow to the vision of his predecessor, fellow Democrat Jerry Brown, who had championed two tunnels to divert water from the north to the state's agricultural center and drier south.

Newsom had signaled the move in his February State of the State address but made the change official when he asked state agencies to withdraw existing permits and start over.

"I do not support the twin tunnels. But we can build on the important work that's already been done," he has said.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/california-governor-makes-big-change-to-giant-water-project/509393132/