## California Moves Forward with Sites Reservoir Project After Lawsuit Dismissal
Sacramento, Calif. – A significant milestone has been reached in the long-awaited Sites Reservoir project, with a judge dismissing a lawsuit challenging the environmental assessment report. This ruling paves the way for the construction of the $4.5 billion reservoir, which is projected to bring substantial benefits to California’s water supply.
### Project Overview
The Sites Reservoir project aims to create California’s eighth largest reservoir, stretching 13 miles west of Maxwell, approximately 70 miles from Sacramento. Scheduled for completion by 2032, the reservoir will provide a much-needed water source for 500,000 acres of Central Valley farmland and 24 million Californians, including residents of Santa Clara County, the East Bay, and Los Angeles.
### Environmental Considerations
Environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the Sacramento River ecosystem, particularly the endangered species of salmon, steelhead, and Delta smelt. However, the project’s developers argue that the reservoir will only divert a limited amount of water during dry years and that it will comply with all environmental regulations.
### Political Support and Funding
The Sites Reservoir project enjoys strong support from President Biden, Governor Gavin Newsom, agricultural organizations, labor unions, and major water agencies. President Biden, along with several government agencies, has already committed over $519 million in federal funding towards the project. Additionally, California has allocated $875 million from Proposition 1, a water bond approved by voters.
### Legal Hurdle Cleared
The recent dismissal of the lawsuit by Yolo County Judge Timothy Fall has removed a significant legal hurdle for the project. The lawsuit alleged that the project’s environmental impact report was inadequate. Under a new state law designed to expedite construction of water projects, the lawsuit was heard and decided within 148 days.
### Next Steps
The Sites Reservoir project must still obtain water rights from the State Water Resources Control Board, appointed by Governor Newsom. Hearings for the water rights application are scheduled to commence in July 2023 and conclude in April 2024.
### Addressing Environmental Concerns
According to Jerry Brown, executive director of the Sites Project Authority, the project will be designed and operated in an environmentally sensitive manner. He states that the reservoir would have filled during the past two winters and would hold enough water for 7.5 million people for a year. Brown emphasizes that the project will only divert an average of 6% of the water flowing through the Delta during the least contentious flow periods.
### Concerns Remain
Environmental groups remain concerned about the potential impact on endangered species during periods of lower water flows. They argue that pumping water at such times will have detrimental effects on fish populations.
### Conclusion
The Sites Reservoir project is a major undertaking with both potential benefits and environmental concerns. The dismissal of the lawsuit has been a significant victory for the project’s proponents. However, the legal battle may not be over, as environmental groups may still pursue an appeal. As the project moves forward, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to work together to mitigate potential environmental impacts while ensuring that this vital water source is developed responsibly.