News Summary
The California Water Commission has allocated $10.9 million to the Sites Reservoir Project to enhance water storage capabilities. This funding, part of the Water Storage Investment Program, aids in permitting and environmental documentation. With a plan to hold 1.5 million acre-feet of water, the project aims to improve water management amid ongoing drought conditions. As negotiations progress, the project’s construction is expected to commence next year, with completion by 2032, despite some environmental concerns. The investment marks a significant step in addressing California’s water challenges.
California Water Commission Boosts Sites Reservoir Project with $10.9 Million
The California Water Commission has announced a significant funding boost of $10.9 million for the Sites Reservoir Project, which aims to enhance the state’s water storage capabilities. This funding is part of the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP) that supports essential water storage projects across California.
Funding Purpose and Timeline
The newly allocated funds will be directed towards covering necessary permitting and environmental documentation, allowing the project to move closer to construction. The Chair of the Sites Project Authority Board of Directors emphasized that this funding will be instrumental in securing both federal and state permits necessary for the project.
Supporting California’s Water Storage Needs
This funding comes as California faces ongoing challenges due to climate change and frequent drought conditions, making effective water management a top priority. The Sites Reservoir Project, which is designed to hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, aims to significantly improve the state’s water storage capabilities. This is particularly crucial during dry spells when water availability becomes limited.
Located west of the Sacramento Valley, the reservoir is anticipated to provide a reliable water source for agricultural, urban, and environmental uses. The off-stream design of the reservoir also aims to support native wildlife by allowing for the controlled release of stored water during critical dry periods.
Investment and Future Prospects
With about $200 million already invested in the project, the estimated construction costs have risen to between $6.2 billion and $6.8 billion due to inflation and advancements in project design. The federal government has committed $780 million to the effort as well, ensuring collaborative funding from various sources.
The Sites Reservoir would become the largest new reservoir constructed in California since the New Melones Lake opened in 1978. The project is designed to expand water storage systems in preparation for a potential future marked by hotter and drier conditions.
Next Steps and Community Benefits
As momentum builds, negotiations between the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Sites Project Authority are ongoing, focusing on establishing a partnership for the reservoir’s development. The next negotiation session is scheduled for mid-October in Sacramento. Final funding commitments from different water agencies intending to utilize the reservoir are expected next year.
Moreover, the project is projected to benefit Northstate communities by decreasing the need for water removal from local sources during dry seasons. Approximately two dozen water agencies have already expressed interest in participating, with a waiting list of another dozen agencies ready to step in should financing face hurdles.
Environmental Concerns
Despite the project’s positive attributes, it has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns regarding the potential impacts on salmon runs and water quality downstream, even as the reservoir is designed to be an off-stream facility. Environmental reviews have encountered legal challenges, although some lawsuits have already been dismissed.
Local agricultural leaders underscore the reservoir’s vital role in preventing water shortages and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in the region. The Sites Project Authority, known for its previous successful allocations of water bond funds, continues to work diligently to secure additional funding commitments.
Cautious Optimism for the Future
Construction of the Sites Reservoir is slated to begin in late next year, with expectations set for completion by the end of 2032. However, the project still awaits several key permits and approvals, including those necessary for water rights diversion from the Sacramento River. If all goes according to plan, this project will play an essential role in addressing California’s pressing water storage needs.
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Additional Resources
- Active Norcal
- Google Search: Sites Reservoir Project
- Action News Now
- Wikipedia: Water Storage
- San Francisco Chronicle
Author: Construction CA News
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