Above photo: An aerial view of the area of the proposed Sites Reservoir near Maxwell. The project was awarded $134 million.
The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $134 million award for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project. This new water storage project would be the second largest off-stream reservoir in the nation and would increase Northern California’s water storage capacity by up to 15 percent.
The award, funded by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, previously received $389.65 million and was also authorized $256.5 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, for a total of $780.15 million in federal contributions to date.
Located 81 miles northwest of Sacramento, Sites Reservoir would store water diverted from the Sacramento River via the existing Red Bluff Pumping Plant and Hamilton City Pump Station after all other water rights and regulatory requirements are met. Water would be released to beneficiaries throughout the state primarily during drier periods when it is needed.
The majority of precipitation in California falls north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, making this project location strategic for capturing and storing stormwater, says the Bureau.
“Partnering with the Sites Project Authority on this exciting new water storage project will create a much-needed increase in water storage in California,” said Acting Regional Director Adam Nickels. “The many benefits of this off-stream reservoir include providing water supply, increased operational flexibility, plus environmental and recreation benefits for generations to come.”
Reclamation and the Sites Authority intend to start negotiating a Partnership Agreement in 2025 that will formalize Reclamation’s participation in the project. Further information about the Sites Reservoir Project can be found at Sites Reservoir Project.