Coalition Forms in Opposition to Costly Water Project, the Pacheco Dam Expansion

Pricey project would burden ratepayers and inundate wildlife habitat

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#stoppachecodam–A coalition has formed, representing the many organizations and individuals who have expressed opposition and concern over the proposed Pacheco Dam Reservoir Expansion Project currently under consideration by the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water).

The Stop the Pacheco Dam Project coalition is staunchly opposed to this project that would create water storage at a cost of $18,800 per acre-foot with no real guarantees in terms of future water supplies. Members of the coalition will participate virtually in Valley Water’s board meeting Tuesday, November 9th to ask Valley Water not to adopt the resolution approving a Valley Water funding commitment for 75% of the non-public benefit costs share of the project.

The proposed Pacheco Dam Project is expected to cost an astronomical $2.12 billion or more. Local ratepayers would bear most of that cost. Other than the Delta Tunnel, it’s the most expensive project currently being considered by Valley Water. In addition, while Valley Water is assuming that it can locate project partners to share in at least 20 percent of the cost, those project partners have not yet materialized; local ratepayers and statewide taxpayers will ultimately be responsible for project costs.

In addition to the financial burden of building a $2 billion dollar dam on ratepayers and taxpayers, the construction of this project would permanently destroy the local environment—driving out wildlife and causing irreparable damage to biologically, historically, and culturally significant lands.

“Lowering the cost of living should be the primary focus of every public official in Santa Clara County,” says Dr. Jeffrey Michael, PhD Economics. “Instead, Valley Water is considering committing billions of ratepayer dollars to a dam its own staff describes as the costliest and riskiest option in their master plan.”

To participate in tomorrow’s Valley Water meeting, you may join via Zoom or call-in.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 9th at 1 PM (item may be heard at about 1:30 PM)

WHERE: valleywater.zoom.us/j/84757884064
Meeting ID: 847 578 84064

OR

Join by Phone:

1 (669) 900-9128, 84757884064#

About our Coalition

Our coalition aims to protect Santa Clara County’s ratepayers and the environment, as well as working ranchlands, from this wasteful and high-risk project. For more information, visit our website at https://stoppachecodam.org/about/.