Reps. LaMalfa & Garamendi Announce Bill to Build Sites Reservoir, Increase California’s Water Supply

Maxwell, CA – Congressmen Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01) and John Garamendi (D-CA-03) were joined today by local elected officials, water agencies, farmers and construction workers to announce a bill authorizing construction of Sites Reservoir in Northern California. Once built, Sites Reservoir will generate 1.9 million acre feet of new water storage for California, which still relies upon a water supply system designed decades ago for a much smaller population. The bill is the only bipartisan measure in Congress addressing California's water crisis.

"California's drought has made it more clear than ever that we need to invest in our state's water supply by building Sites Reservoir. While California's population has grown dramatically over the past few decades, we're still relying upon a water supply system built generations ago," said Rep. LaMalfa. "Sites Reservoir will bring 1.9 million acre feet of new water storage to California, enough for both agriculture and cities while also creating environmental benefits and thousands of jobs. It's time to end the decade of studies and build this project, before the next drought cuts off water to our communities, farms and ranches."

"The devastation of the drought has highlighted the need for additional water storage. Sites Reservoir would dramatically expand our water reserves – and create jobs in the process. We must heed the warning of the book of Genesis: stock up during the years of plenty, so that you can get by in the years of need," said Congressman Garamendi, who served as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior under President Clinton. "I want to thank Doug and his staff for working with my office and the JPA in crafting this legislation. This bipartisan bill is vitally important for serving the water needs of California communities, agriculture and environment."

"We applaud the Congressmen's bi-partisan efforts to take an important step forward in providing water security for California," said Bryce Lundberg, Chair of NCWA. "We need new smart storage in California—the current drought has highlighted the importance and value of surface water storage during these critical times for cities and rural communities, family farms, wildlife refuges and fish in the Sacramento Valley and the Delta."

"With California facing its most challenging drought ever, the time is right for creative new water infrastructure to provide jobs and water security," added Fritz Durst, the Sites Project Authority Chair and a farmer and conservationist in the Valley.

"California needs new water storage now, and in fact we needed it ten years ago," said Andrew Meredith of the California State Building Trades Council. "It's time to recognize that California can't grow its economy, compete internationally and keep up with population growth solely through water conservation. This project will generate jobs in the short term and ensure that California's economy is strong over the long term."

Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

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