Local elected officials are blasting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call for fast-tracking the Delta tunnel project that could divert more water to Southern California. Also known as the Delta Conveyance Project, the $20 billion endeavor would channel water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and direct it south. Critics, including San Joaquin County leaders and Northern California legislators, warn it could sap badly needed water from farm use. “The Delta Tunnel is a direct attack on the region’s economy, and it’s clear that politicians care more about lawns in Beverly Hills than protecting the fruit-and-nut basket of the world,” U.S. Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, said in a statement.

Other Delta tunnel news: 

• Local News Matters (Berkeley, Calif.): ’Let’s get this built’: Newsom asks lawmakers to expedite Delta water tunnel construction
• The San Joaquin Valley Sun (Fresno, Calif.): Newsom proposes fast-track for Delta tunnel in budget revision
• ABC10 (Sacramento, Calif.): Governor Newsom maintains support for controversial Delta Conveyance Project
• Sierra Sun Times (Mariposa, Calif.): California State Senator Jerry McNerney says Delta Caucus urges legislative leaders to reject plan to fast-track Delta Tunnel Project