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Is the state’s $15.5B WaterFix project the right way to invest in future water reliability for Southern California?

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2016, file photo, water flows through an irrigation canal to crops near Lemoore, Calif. The California Supreme Court is set to issue a ruling Thursday, July 21, 2016, that could add millions of dollars to the governor's $15.7 billion plan to build two giant water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
Rich Pedroncelli/AP
In this Feb. 25, 2016, file photo, water flows through an irrigation canal to crops near Lemoore, Calif.

There's good news for Governor Brown's giant water tunnels project. The state just released its environmental impact report for the two massive tunnels that would divert an additional five-percent of Sacramento River water to Southern and Central California.

There's good news for Governor Brown's giant water tunnels project. The state just released its environmental impact report for the two massive tunnels that would divert an additional five-percent of Sacramento River water to Southern and Central California.

The report concluded the twin 35-mile long tunnels would be the least environmentally destructive option for increasing diversions from the Sacramento Delta.

But opponents insist the project isn't necessary, and that the nearly $16-billion would be better spent on local water conservation projects. Northern CA farmers and environmentalists also hate the project.

Guests:

Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

John McManus, executive director of the Golden Gate Salmon Association

John Fleck, Director of University of New Mexico Water Resources Program and author of “Water is for Fighting Over: and other myths about water in the west

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