Program managers delivered a $114 million cost estimate for construction of the proposed desal plant to the members of the Desalination Task Force at their October 17 meeting in Santa Cruz. The $114 million figure is to be considered a range, representing a possible cost of between $97 million and $143 million for the plant, and it does not include the millions spent already during the early phase of planning and promotion of the proposed water project.

Opponents of the proposed desal plant, such as members of the Right to Vote on Desal Coalition (in support of a 'yes' on Measure P), are themselves estimating the project to wind up costing $300 million total; according to the Desal Alternatives website, the cost to pursue desalination has already cost taxpayers $17.5 million.

Read More with Photos and Audio | See Also: Pursuit of Desal Driving Santa Cruz Water Costs. Voters to Weigh In Nov. 6 | Proposed Desalination Plant Sites and Pipeline Routes | Successful "Yes on Measure P" action: Prospect Hts/DeLaveaga Park desal pipeline chalk-in | Right to Vote on Desal Rally at Mitchell Cove | Candidate Scorecard on Water Issues

Previous Coverage: Invitation-Only Meeting Held to Promote a Desalination Plant in Santa Cruz || Supporters of Right to Vote on Desal Turn in Petitions at Santa Cruz City Hall || LAFCO Delays Decision on UC Santa Cruz Water Service Expansion || Ballot Measure Qualifies in Santa Cruz for Right to Vote on Desalination Plant