Delta Tunnel Project Under Environmental Review

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Officials have released environmental reports supporting a proposal to build two large tunnels to send fresh water around California's delta.

State and federal authorities said Thursday they're seeking public input. The controversial plan would take water 30 miles around the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta through two tunnels for use by farms and communities as far away as Southern California.

The project has been under development for eight years. A major revision this year splits up tunnel construction from efforts to restore delta wildlife habitat and dramatically reduces the area targeted for habitat restoration.

Department of Water Resources director Mark Cowin says the revised plans will modernize California's outdated water system.

Attorney Osha Meserve criticizes the project, saying it is a water grab that will harm the delta's endangered fish.