The cancellation of an expansion project for Los Vaqueros Reservoir in September cost the state $24 million in grant money. In just six years, the project’s cost ballooned from $980 million to nearly $1.6 billion due to inflation and scheduling delays.
The California Water Commission had fronted the money to the Contra Costa Water District to cover expenses for planning and permitting. It was lined up to eventually receive $459 million in all from the Prop. 1 water bond passed in 2014.
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At last month’s hearing, commissioners expressed surprise over the sudden collapse and dismay that the project’s quarterly reports had not indicated it was in distress. They sought to ensure the remaining projects in the queue are still in good financial standing and to avoid any further losses.
“It seems like a big number to me, when I think about all the other things that could have been done with that taxpayer money,” said Commissioner Sandra Matsumoto.
In 2020 a proposal to build Temperance Flat Reservoir in the San Joaquin Valley fell apart after a 20-year push. While it was also a Prop. 1 project, it had not received any early funding. The commission later redistributed the Temperance allotment to the other seven projects.
