Central Valley water connection gets $14.6 Million

TRACY
July 29, 2010 9:00pm

A $14.6 million contract, with the money coming from the federal stimulus act, has been awarded to Shimmick Construction of Oakland to build a pumping plant and pipeline to link the Delta-Mendota Canal and the California Aqueduct.

The project is about five miles west of Tracy and when completed is expected to allow greater utilization of the capacity at the state and federal Jones Pumping Plant. The “Intertie” will also allow for maintenance and repair activities and provide a greater ability to respond to emergencies, the government says.

In addition to the underground pipeline connection, the project includes installing four pumps and motors and building an electrical switchyard. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed by early 2012.

“Constructing the Intertie will provide greater flexibility for water projects and help to get additional water flowing to San Joaquin Valley farmers. This is one of the most important water infrastructure projects that can be built in the short-term to address the water supply crisis,” says Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced.

“This project has been stuck in a bureaucratic backlog for six years. Fighting through this delay is a victory for our entire region,” says Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.

“Water is the lynchpin of our local economy, from employment in rural farming communities to jobs in urban areas,” says Mr. Costa. “The Intertie will bring more water to farmers and will have a ripple effect throughout our economy.