California Construction News staff writer
The Sites Project Authority announced two major advancements that bring the long-planned Sites Reservoir Project significantly closer to construction. Progress on contractor selection and major environmental permitting has put the Authority on pace to break ground by the end of 2026.
Last week, the authority confirmed that it is reviewing a short list of qualified applicants for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract, which will cover the reservoir and road infrastructure. Detailed proposals are now being requested from shortlisted firms, with contractor selection expected later this year.
“The CMAR selection process, which is done through a qualifications-based competitive procurement, ensures we select the highest-ranked team that will provide the best value for the Project and local community,” said Jerry Brown, Executive Director of the Sites Project Authority. “The first phase shortlisted from a group of premier internationally recognized contractors, while this second phase allows the Authority to dive deeper into each firm’s approach to efficiency, cost certainty, local community compatibility, and project management for a project of this magnitude.”
In addition to contractor progress, the project cleared two critical environmental permitting hurdles. On Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued its biological opinion for the project — a foundational federal permit that evaluates the potential impact of construction on endangered and threatened species. The opinion also considers impacts on three candidate species that could become federally listed in the future.
Separately, on July 7, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued the Master Streambed Alteration Agreement, authorizing the Authority to modify streambeds and waterways within the project site during construction.
“While our permitting process is not complete, we are encouraged that we have received key project permits and appreciate the hard work of our state and federal partners to develop this important scientific and technical work,” said Ali Forsythe, Environmental Planning and Permitting Manager for the Authority. “These decisions are essential to helping to move Sites Reservoir toward construction in a way that is protective of listed species, their habitats, and the water resources of our State.”
These latest permits follow a major permitting milestone in late 2024, when CDFW issued two Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) allowing the project to proceed in compliance with California’s endangered species laws. The ITPs ensure that any impacts to listed species will be fully mitigated throughout construction and operation.
Once completed, the Sites Reservoir will add 1.5 million acre-feet of off-stream water storage to California’s water system. Uniquely designed to deliver environmental benefits, the reservoir will store water that can be released specifically to support fish and wildlife during drought conditions — a first-of-its-kind feature in California’s water infrastructure.
The project is intended to increase the state’s water flexibility, reliability, and resiliency in the face of growing climate challenges. With permitting and contractor selection advancing in parallel, the Authority’s goal of beginning construction by the end of 2026 remains within reach.
