The Sites Reservoir project, with a budget of $4 billion, is set to become California’s first infrastructure project accelerated under the recently passed CEQA streamlining law. Governor Gavin Newsom announced this move just one week after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Sites Project Authority completed their Environmental Impact Review and Statement for the reservoir – which would be the second-largest off-stream reservoir in America.
According to Newsom, “We are eliminating bureaucratic hurdles to expedite construction.” This decision reflects our state’s commitment towards addressing major challenges more efficiently; an objective that is fully embodied by this landmark project.
Situated 81 miles northwest of Sacramento, Sites Reservoir will collect water diverted from the Sacramento River once all necessary regulatory requirements have been met. The stored water will then be distributed throughout California during periods when it is most needed – primarily during dry spells.
This article was originally published on Connect CRE.
