What key project related to water delivery was completed in Santa Barbara in 1997?

The completion of the Santa Barbara Aqueduct in 1997 was a significant milestone in California's water delivery system. The aqueduct was an integral part of the State Water Project (SWP) and aimed to enhance the infrastructure for supplying water to the city of Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas.

By establishing a direct link to a larger water supply system, the aqueduct helped ensure a more reliable and sustainable source of water for the region, particularly important in a state that often faces droughts and water shortages. The project reflected strategic efforts to develop infrastructure that would support community resilience in the face of fluctuating water availability.

In contrast, the other choices represent different efforts and initiatives that were either not completed in 1997 or focus on other aspects of California's water management system, such as broader state-level proposals or plans that do not specifically pertain to Santa Barbara's immediate water delivery needs.