Another water grab

In the March 11 Q&A (Page A-1), Randy Fiorini supports a plan that takes Sacramento River water south through giant tubes and releases more of our irrigation water to help endangered fish. I think this is a huge water grab that will only benefit giant Westlands agribusiness, promote Southern California growth,and provide cheap water for fracking of shale oil.

There is no evidence, only speculation, that taking more irrigation water will help salmon and smelt. No one knows what effects the tubes will have. I'm sure better fish screens to protect smelt could be installed for less than the $20 billion planned for the tubes.

The primary fish problem is the 25 non-native fish species in the delta. No amount of water from any source is going to get rid of predators like striped bass. They've been seen as far upriver as Waterford. Planners and regulators need to have more than guesswork and wishful thinking before taking our water.

JIM PECK

Modesto