A highly controversial project that would build a system of tunnels to divert water from the Sacramento River, and a signature project of California Governor Jerry Brown, now finds itself in trouble with federal investigators.
"The federal government will investigate allegations that the state and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation improperly used federal funds for a $15.7 billion tunnel project that would bring water from Northern to Southern California," according to an article by Ellen Knickmeyer.
More specifically, the "inspector general of the U.S. Interior Department will look into accusations that California took $60 million meant for fish habitat to spend on preliminary work for Gov. Jerry Brown's project and otherwise mishandled federal funds."
The investigation follows the actions of an anonymous whistle blower from the federal government. The controversial project, which would divert water from the Sacramento River, has run into a rough patch. Earlier this month, Bettina Boxhall reported for the Los Angeles Times that the California Department of Water Resources had been quietly working to scale back the project.
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