The California Water Commission has approved $10.9 million in early funding for the Sites Reservoir Project through the Proposition 1 Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). The funding will support permitting and environmental review efforts as the project advances toward construction. “This additional funding will help the Authority secure key federal and state permits that will advance Sites Reservoir closer to construction,” said Fritz Durst, Chair of the Sites Project Authority Board of Directors.

The Sites Reservoir, is designed to add 1.5 million acre-feet of storage capacity to California’s system. Once completed, the project will improve the state’s ability to capture and store water during wet years for use during droughts, while also providing dedicated supplies to protect fish and wildlife habitats.

Last month, Commissioners also recently adjusted the project’s Maximum Conditional Eligibility Determination (MCED) for inflation, increasing its potential to secure additional early funding. Project leaders say this investment reflects growing recognition of the reservoir’s role in delivering long-term reliability, flexibility, and resiliency to California’s water supply. You can see the full news release here.