International Tunneling Conference in LA Promotes Delta Tunnels: Will promised “new jobs” go to foreign companies?

For Immediate Release: 10/6/2016
Contact:
Brian Smith, 415-320-9384, brian@bpspr.com
Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Restore the Delta, 209-479-2053

International Tunneling Conference in LA Promotes Delta Tunnels:
Will promised “new jobs” go to foreign companies?

Stockton – State agencies claiming the Delta Tunnels (CA WaterFix) will create jobs for Californians are participating in an International Tunneling conference in Los Angeles called “Cutting Edge” November 6-9.
 
The conference announcement declares:
 
“…California’s tunneling industry is booming. In 2016, the fifth annual Cutting Edge Conference will convene in Los Angeles to look at the latest advances in tunneling technology and methodology and how they can be harnessed to assist the region’s major upcoming underground projects.”
 
The invitation email notes:
“Among the many organisations [sic – British spelling] in attendance will be: …California Water Fix”
 
Restore the Delta, executive director, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla said:
 
“A chance to get a contract for a $17 billion project has attracted many international firms to sponsor this conference. State and Metropolitan Water District officials will surely get wined-and-dined, but we think their international suitors should know the Delta Tunnels are as real as a day at Disneyland.
 
“The Delta Tunnels have received none of the required state or federal permits, and the project has no finance plan. Water ratepayers and California taxpayers don’t want the tunnels, and agricultural districts cannot afford the tunnels. The project lacks a completed biological opinion, and has been rejected twice by the EPA.
 
“Why are state agencies seeking international contractors for a project that was supposed to create jobs for Californians? Are agencies also seeking international funding for a project that was to be paid for by California water districts? Are our water resources for sale on the international market? Californians would like to know.”

Related Posts