Administration seeks judicial streamlining, bonding authority for Delta Conveyance in May revision

The Department of Finance and the Department of Water Resources on Wednesday described trailer bill language in the May revision intended to speed review and limit delays on the proposed Delta Conveyance project, a multibillion-dollar upgrade to California's State Water Project.

The administration's May revision includes provisions to shorten some litigation timelines, clarify the project's permitting paths and confirm DWR's authority to issue revenue bonds that would be repaid by water contractors rather than by the state's general fund. "Every year of delay for that project adds around $600,000,000 which ratepayers would have to pay back," Andrew March of the Department of Finance said, arguing the changes reduce future costs for water users.

The proposals would also amend several permitting and judicial processes. "The trailer bill includes 270-day streamlining of litigation," Chris Butcher, Office of General Counsel for the Department of Water Resources, told the committee, describing the proposal as modeled on earlier, project‑specific streamlining statutes. Department officials said the language would cover more than CEQA and would provide a specified…