The Sites Project Authority board of directors authorized action to apply for SB 149 certification from Governor Gavin Newsom.
If certified, a streamlined administrative process is available via SB 149 and intended to more quickly advance this multi-benefit water supply project with the capacity to provide 1.5 million acre-feet of storage.The legislation is part of the infrastructure package pursued by the governor and passed by the Legislature to implement judicial streamlining and permit reform to accelerate infrastructure projects. Ag Council supported its passage, and Governor Newsom signed the infrastructure package on July 10.
SB 149 seeks to address roadblocks to completing infrastructure projects, including water supply and storage projects. Under the new law, court battles are streamlined once a project passes environmental review, while the mitigation and public process elements of the California Environmental Quality Act are maintained.
As background, Sites Reservoir is an off-stream reservoir proposed in Glenn and Colusa Counties to capture water from storms for use in dry years for communities, farms and businesses. The project would give California more flexibility and reliability while building long-term resiliency. Sites Reservoir also would provide drinking water, recreational opportunities and environmental benefits.
To read more about SB 149 as detailed in a previous newsletter, click here.