AP NewsBreak: Habitat fixes for California's massive Delta tunnels scaled back dramatically

FRESNO, Calif. – California officials have dramatically scaled back habitat restoration plans that are part of the state's proposed twin-tunnel water project.

California Department of Fish and Game Director Chuck Bonham told The Associated Press Wednesday that the project now calls for restoring 30,000 acres for wetland and wildlife habitat — down from 100,000 acres. Bonham said the amount of land targeted for environmental improvements was revised because there was too much complexity in the original 50-year plan, and it was too difficult to get federal permits from federal wildlife agencies.

The twin-tunnel plan, supported by Gov. Jerry Brown, is designed to stabilize water supplies for cities and farms south of the Delta. But it has drawn strong opposition from Delta farmers and environmentalists.