Congressman Josh Harder on Thursday stepped up his efforts to derail the Delta Tunnel  by reintroducing legislation directing the Army Corps not to issue a federal permit required for the endeavor to move forward.

Harder’s legislation is co-authored with three other members of Congress from the Central Valley.

 “The Delta Tunnel is a zombie project,” Harder said referencing fights dating  back to  the statewide 1982 ballot vote that blocked the earlier version of a Delta conveyance that was dubbed the Peripheral Canal.

“Every time we kill it, the Governor brings it back. My bill will put an end to this $16 billion boondoggle once and for all and make sure every drop of Valley water stays right here where it belongs. This is a choice between watering a family farm right here in San Joaquin County, and watering someone’s manicured green lawn down south. I’ll do what’s right for our community every single time.”

The Army Corps in a bid to provide additional opportunity for public input, has extended the comment period to March 16. Originally, it was scheduled to end next Tuesday.

The agency is also now planning an in-person public workshop sometime in early March in Stockton. The date and location has yet to be confirmed.

People are also able at any time to go to the Army Crops’ Regulatory Division website and make a public comment at: Delta Conveyance (army.mil)

The Army Corps has conducted three virtual meetings with more than 170 people in attendance on the tunnel’s environmental documents.

The virtual meetings were arranged when COVID-19 regulations were still in effect.

Harder last month conducted an in-person workshop on the tunnel and other water issues that was held in French Camp. More than 150 people were in attendance.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyattmantecabulletin.com