The Sites Reservoir project's ~$3B reservoir package faces potential delays after major labor unions raised concerns about PLA negotiations, with the Sites board seeking significant progress within about 30 days. California's Water Plan update under SB 72 targets 9 million acre-feet in new supply by 2040 across 138 watersheds. The Kern Fan Project was reclassified as conjunctive use and received $5.6M in early funding, both approved unanimously.
The Commission approved the Kern Fan Groundwater Storage Project's reclassification to conjunctive use and $5.57 million in early funding. Significant controversy emerged over the Sites Reservoir Project's selection of Barnard Construction, with labor organizations objecting and a prior letter from Governor Newsom urging strong labor relations. DWR presented its SB 72 implementation framework with a 9 million acre‑foot additional supply target by 2040.
The Commission approved emergency regulations allowing flexible use of uncommitted WSIP funds under Proposition 4 for existing projects to address inflation and additional public benefits. Labor concerns were raised about Sites Reservoir’s potential selection of Barnard Construction, and commissioners asked staff to bring Sites back soon for an update. Harvest Water remains on track for 2027, Willow Springs’ final award moved about five months, and Sites’ schedule slipped slightly.
