Development of the Sites Reservoir aimed at improving California's water supply.
The Sites Reservoir Project is making significant strides towards construction, with key advancements from the Sites Project Authority. Selection of a Construction Manager at Risk is in progress, aiming for completion by the end of the year. The project has also secured vital environmental permits. This initiative seeks to enhance California’s water supply reliability amidst ongoing climate challenges, addressing the urgent need for improved water storage and management.
The Sites Reservoir Project is progressing towards construction with significant recent advancements from the Sites Project Authority. The aim is to begin construction by the end of 2026, marking a crucial step in enhancing California’s water supply reliability.
Recently, the Authority has narrowed down a short list of qualified candidates for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract. This procurement process, which kicked off earlier this year, is on track with detailed proposals now being reviewed from the shortlisted applicants. A CMAR contractor is expected to be selected by the end of this year, which will play a vital role in overseeing the construction phase of the project.
The Executive Director of the Sites Project Authority emphasized the competitive nature of the procurement process, designed to deliver the best value for both the project and the surrounding communities. This commitment to quality indicates a focus on ensuring that the project not only meets infrastructural needs but also fosters local benefits.
Recent developments include the issuance of key environmental permits needed for the project to proceed. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a biological opinion analyzing the potential effects of the reservoir on endangered and threatened species. Additionally, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) granted the Master Streambed Alteration Agreement, which is essential for adjusting local waterways to accommodate construction efforts.
The environment policy framework around the project has been structured to comply with federal and state regulations. In late 2024, the project received two Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) from CDFW, which allows for construction activities while still adhering to laws pertaining to endangered species.
Ali Forsythe, Environmental Planning and Permitting Manager for the Authority, conveyed positive sentiment regarding the speed and efficiency of the project’s progress through the permitting landscape, which is crucial for maintaining momentum.
The Sites Reservoir is proposed as an off-stream storage facility located north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. It is designed to provide up to 1.5 million acre-feet of additional water storage capacity, aiming to bolster California’s water supply during dry periods. This increases the region’s resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
The project is also framed within a broader environmental context, aimed at providing ecological benefits during droughts. However, the journey has not been without obstacles. Between 2020 and 2023, environmental groups initiated a lawsuit against the project, alleging potential risks to the Sacramento River ecosystem and local fish populations. Fortunately for the Sites Project Authority, legal challenges have been resolved in favor of the project, confirming its compliance with relevant state environmental laws.
The urgency for projects like the Sites Reservoir has been highlighted by developments in California’s climate. With frequent droughts and unpredictable weather patterns, Governor Gavin Newsom and other stakeholders have underscored the necessity of expanding water storage capabilities within the state. The Sites Reservoir Project stands as a significant example of addressing this urgent need and securing a reliable water future for California.
As the process continues to unfold, the Sites Project Authority’s careful management of both environmental assessments and construction planning indicates a hopeful trajectory for this critical water infrastructure project.
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