By Fritz Durst, RD 108, Chair of the Sites Project Authority Board of Directors and Mike Azevedo, Colusa County, Chair of the Sites Project Authority Reservoir Committee
Sites Reservoir is beginning 2025 with three new announcements that set the stage to move the project into final design, construction and ultimately, operation. A project of this magnitude requires careful planning to move from years of permitting and design, to moving dirt and building a reservoir. While there are still key milestones ahead, including securing the state water right permit and other agreements, the Sites Project Authority is ensuring that the project is ready to advance quickly and efficiently once we reach those critical progress points.
From Design and Permitting to Construction
In preparation for the construction phase of this project, the Authority launched a competitive procurement process with the release of a Request for Qualifications for a Reservoir Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to construct the up to $3 billion reservoir and roads package that is part of the Sites Reservoir Project (Project). The Authority will secure the most qualified team for this important job, and the CMAR delivery method optimizes project delivery, manages risks, encourages local community collaboration, and will provide the best value to the Project.
Qualified firms are asked to submit their proposals by March 10, 2025 for consideration.
Sites Hires a New CFO
At the end of 2024, the Authority announced the hiring of Shayleen O’Connell, who is assuming the role of Finance Manager for the Authority. In her role, O’Connell will oversee finance, financial planning, cost accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting and contracting/procurement functions for the Authority as the Project moves through the next phases. In addition to her finance acumen, O’Connell brings a deep understanding of the Sacramento Valley and the importance of reliable water resources and agriculture. As a 5th generation Colusa County resident, she has spent her entire life in and around farming communities.
Funding Momentum
Having enough funds lined up is essential to advancing the Project, and we started 2025 with an additional commitment from the federal government. In January, the Department of the Interior awarded Sites Reservoir $129 million in federal funding, as part of the prior Administration’s agenda, to bring clean, reliable drinking water to communities across the West through water storage and conveyance projects. This new commitment builds on the $67.5 million announced in May 2024 to Sites Reservoir, increasing the current total to $646.15 million in federal funding committed to the Project in exchange for federal benefits. As a beneficiary pays project, this funding would secure additional benefits for the Bureau of Reclamation’s water operations, which include supporting ecosystem objectives.
The federal investment adds to the substantial support the Project has from the state of California. Through Proposition 1 Water Storage Investment Program, Sites was conditionally awarded $875 million for public benefits.
In the coming months, the Project will complete the Water Right Permit process, with an anticipated decision coming this summer. The Authority will also be working closely with participating agencies to finalize each agency’s level of commitment and associated project benefits. As a beneficiary pays project, Sites will provide an additional 1.5 million acre-feet of storage capacity, which will be divided proportionally among the agencies paying for the project. Ultimately the project will substantially improve California’s water flexibility, reliability, and resiliency. As an off-stream reservoir, it will capture and store a portion of stormwater from the Sacramento River—after all other water rights and regulatory requirements are met—and release water to California communities, farms, businesses, and wildlife during drier years. For more information, please visit www.sitesproject.org.
