FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2025

CONTACT: valeriemartinez@dcdca.org

SACRAMENTO, CA – At a Special Board Meeting held today, the Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority (DCA) expressed strong support for Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to fast-track the Delta Conveyance Project—a critical investment in securing California’s long-term water reliability.

The Governor’s May Revise includes trailer bill proposals designed to simplify permitting, confirm funding authority, streamline legal processes, and support timely construction. These measures aim to reduce project delays, cut costs, and accelerate the delivery of upgraded infrastructure capable of withstanding climate change, seismic threats, and increasing water demands.

Statement from Martin Milobar

President, Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority Board of Directors

“I want to thank Governor Newsom for his continued leadership in prioritizing California’s water future. We know better than anyone the importance of the Delta Conveyance Project – it’s a long-overdue investment in modernizing how we move and manage water in California and ensures our water agencies continue to serve communities with safe, affordable water. His proposal to streamline the regulatory framework to help advance the Delta Conveyance Project reflects the kind of solution-oriented approach we need to protect our state’s most critical infrastructure.”

“As Board President, I support efforts to move this project forward and am proud to stand behind the direction outlined by the Governor. This is about protecting California’s water supply, now and into the future.”

Statement from Graham Bradner

Executive Director, Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority

“We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in recognizing both the urgency of the Delta Conveyance Project and the opportunity to modernize how we move critical infrastructure forward in the face of climate change, seismic risk, and growing water demands.”

“The Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority is ready to deliver. Our team is prepared to implement this project responsibly, transparently, and in close coordination with the Department of Water Resources, our public water agency partners, and stakeholders throughout the state. These proposed reforms are expected to save years of delay and potentially billions in costs by removing unnecessary hurdles and accelerating project delivery. We stand ready and offer our strong support to the Governor’s forward-thinking approach.”

The Delta Conveyance Project will update California’s primary water conveyance infrastructure, ensuring a reliable, clean water supply for 27 million residents and over 750,000 acres of farmland. The DCA remains committed to advancing the project with transparency, responsibility, and in alignment with environmental protections.

Read Governor Newsom’s full announcement here:
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/05/14/governor-newsoms-budget-calls-for-fast-track-of-critical-water-infrastructure-project

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The Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority (DCA) is a Joint Powers Authority governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, representing 16 public water agencies that contract with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for water deliveries from the State Water Project. The DCA is responsible for the planning, engineering, and design of the Delta Conveyance Project.