The board approved granting the General Manager authority to approve non-material Sites Reservoir project share assignments between participants without requiring board approval for each transfer, streamlining processes as the project approaches its 2026 investor commitment deadline. Sites Reservoir construction advances with a contract awarded and completion now expected by 2033. Delta Conveyance financing faces uncertainty after courts rejected the 2020 bond validation attempt.
A contractor damaged a 24-inch water pipeline during construction on December 18th, requiring extended repairs through late December, and the agency will pursue full cost reimbursement. Recent atmospheric rivers boosted storage, with Lake Oroville rising 53 feet and adding 580,000 acre-feet. The State Water Board released a revised draft HRL plan, with public comments due February 2.
The board received a clean financial audit showing strong fiscal health with $608 million in total assets and increased unrestricted reserves. Directors approved extending participation in the Yuba Dry Year Water Purchase Program through 2050, keeping access to cost-effective supplemental water that staff described as cheaper than current Table A costs in the example given. The Department of Water Resources announced an initial 2026 State Water Project allocation of just 10% based ...
A special board meeting scheduled for December 9th will address the annual audit report and a water purchase program amendment with extended pricing terms. The agency is approaching a future go or no-go decision point on the Sites Reservoir project as it moves toward a construction phase, with staff preparing necessary administrative records. Organizational changes include bringing an IT/cybersecurity director role in-house and adjusting the salary chart for new and updated positions.
Board adopted a 5‑year strategic plan focusing on sustainability, operations, modernization, and engagement, with 17 objectives. California’s projected $15–25 billion annual budget deficits will constrain state funding for water infrastructure and increase reliance on Proposition 4 bond funds. The state allocated $20 million under AB149 for invasive mussel control, though total costs may exceed $100 million annually.
