CCWD Board Previews $1.7 Billion Capital Plan Anchored by Canal Replacement

The Contra Costa Water District board got its first detailed look at a draft 10-year capital improvement program that staff called the largest infrastructure commitment in the district's history — nearly $1.7 billion in projects, more than half of it driven by the massive Canal Replacement Program. The Feb. 18 session also included a veteran director's surprise retirement announcement, a resolution honoring Martinez's 150th birthday and a sobering update on Colorado River negotiations headed for federal intervention.

• $1.7 billion draft CIP previewed, with $1.2 billion funded and the Canal Replacement Program consuming more than half the total investment

• Canal replacement estimated at $2.6 billion across all phases, with $922 million in planned debt and peak debt service reaching 30% of district revenue by 2055

• Director John Burgh announces retirement after 22 years of service, with March 18 as his final meeting

• Colorado River states miss deadline on water-cut consensus, triggering Department of Interior intervention that could increase pressure on Delta exports

• Board unanimously adopts resolution honoring the City of Martinez's sesquicentennial

The centerpiece of the meeting was a workshop on the draft 2027 Capital Improvement Program covering fiscal years 2027 through 2036 — a planning document that captures the scale of infrastructure work CCWD faces to keep water flowing to roughly 500,000 Contra Costa County customers.