SEASIDE, Calif. -- The Monterey Downs horse racing track and development that's been on and off again for years could stall once again.
And it's because of the Monterey Peninsula's water shortage.
"It has been determined there isn't sufficient water identified at this time for the entire project to move forward at once," said Lisa Brinton, Community and Economic Development of the City of Seaside.
The Marina Coast Water District released a water supply assessment that states there's only enough water to get through the first phase -- building the homes.
There are still three more phases -- a horse park, commerical area, and a horse training race track.
The district said if the project is going to stay on track, the water needs to come from an additional source, like recycled water or desalination.
"That is a substantial amount of water given the current supply that is available in Fort Ord from the allocations that the jurisdictions received with the closure of the base," Brinton said. "The next step would be for the city, county and FORA to sit down and take a look at the various project proponents in this specific plan,"
The project's developer said there are plenty of ways to get water in Seaside, like from redevelopment projects that are now on hold, and reclaimed water dumped into the ocean every year.
The Monterey Peninsula water woes have been a long, hot topic here on the central coast.
Right now, Cal-Am wants to pass its $6 million water loss onto its customers.
The local Monterey Peninsula Water District is making its concerns known to the Public Utilities Commission.
Tonight the Mayors Water Authority is holding a special meeting, including a report on Cal-Am issues.
The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at Monterey City Hall.
There will be updates and a presentation on water issues facing Monterey Peninsula customers.
