Southern California Water Supplier Eyes Tunnel Plan Control

In a dramatic twist on the Delta tunnels saga, Southern California’s powerful water agency — the ultimate source of water for 75 percent of Ventura County residents — is exploring the feasibility of owning the majority stake in the controversial project, a move that raises fears of a “water grab.” Under the plan floated Monday by three board members, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California would pour an extra $6 billion or more into the tunnels plan beyond what it has already pledged, enabling the twin tunnels to get built at the same time.