The Bureau of Reclamation today (April 4) 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. 

Other water infrastructure news:

• International Water Power: USBR awards $115.9 million contract for Hyrum Dam spillway replacement 
• E&E News by Politico: NEPA changes pause Columbia River dam review​
• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Denver Water tries to block “egregious” Gross Dam stop-work order​
• Mohave Valley Daily News (Bullhead City, Ariz.): City, county advocate for limited tours of Davis Dam
• The Ukiah Daily Journal (Calif.): Opinion: The Observer: Divisive water politics​ (Potter Valley Project)