The state of California is taking significant steps to address its water challenges by launching a search for a construction manager to oversee the development of the $3 billion Sites Reservoir in the Sacramento Valley. This major infrastructure project aims to enhance the state’s water storage capacity, providing much-needed relief amid ongoing droughts and wildfires in southern California. The reservoir will be one of the largest artificial lakes in the state, capable of supplying water to millions of residents and supporting agriculture and wildlife. The project, which has been in planning since the 1950s, is set to include the construction of multiple dams, tunnels, and other critical infrastructure. The selected firm will manage both design and construction phases using a CMAR approach, ensuring optimized delivery and community collaboration.

The Sites Reservoir project, managed by the Sites Project Authority established in 2010, represents a monumental effort to bolster California's water security. With an estimated budget of $3 billion, this endeavor seeks to create an off-stream reservoir that spans approximately 6,000 square kilometers and reaches depths of 90 meters. The reservoir will provide an additional 1.5 million acre-feet of storage capacity, significantly enhancing the state's water flexibility and reliability. Since securing $800 million in funding in 2018, the project has moved closer to reality, marking a crucial transition from planning to construction. Fritz Durst, Chair of the Sites Project Authority Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting that it represents a significant opportunity to improve water reliability for communities, farms, and the environment.

The reservoir will capture and store stormwater from the Sacramento River after all other water rights and regulatory requirements are met. During drier periods, the stored water will be released to support various sectors, including residential, agricultural, and wildlife needs. The construction phase will involve building two main dams standing 90 meters high, seven saddle dams, and three dikes ranging from 2 to 34 meters in height. Additional infrastructure will include a concrete spillway, a 400-meter tunnel, and upgrades to existing roads. The construction manager at-risk (CMAR) approach will ensure that risks are managed effectively while encouraging local community involvement and delivering optimal value.

Firms interested in participating in this landmark project must submit their qualifications by March 10. A shortlist of qualified candidates will then be invited to submit detailed proposals and participate in interviews. The awarded firm will begin Phase 1 pre-construction services in the fall of 2025, with construction slated to commence in 2026 and completion expected by 2032. This ambitious initiative underscores California's commitment to addressing its water challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for its residents and ecosystems.