- Governor Newsom promotes critical water projects in Colusa.
- New groundwater recharge initiatives unveiled.
- Sites Reservoir to expand water storage for millions.
- Investments aim to address water scarcity and boost jobs.
December 16, 2024 — On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom
visited a historic Colusa farm to spotlight his administration’s efforts to strengthen California’s water infrastructure and bolster job creation. The visit marked the fourth stop in the Governor’s California Jobs First tour.
At Davis Ranches, an 1800s-era farm renowned for its sustainable water-saving practices and floodplain habitat restoration, Newsom outlined plans to address the state’s water challenges. The Governor emphasized California’s need for an “all-of-the-above” strategy, blending new water storage projects with sustainable agricultural practices.
Major Projects in the Spotlight.
Newsom’s visit comes as construction looms for the ambitious Sites Reservoir project, just miles from Davis Ranches. Touted as a cornerstone of California’s Water Supply Strategy, the reservoir is expected to store up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water—enough to supply three million households annually. Last year, Newsom expedited the project’s approval process, saving it from potential years of litigation delays.
In addition to Sites Reservoir, Newsom’s administration is pushing forward the redesigned Delta Conveyance Project. This tunnel system would modernize water distribution by capturing excess flows from the Sacramento River during wet periods. It aims to protect water supplies against seismic risks while improving the state’s ability to weather droughts. Local water agencies representing over two million residents have already endorsed the plan.
Groundwater Recharge Gets a Boost.
With 85% of Californians relying on groundwater for some of their water needs, the Governor announced measures to accelerate groundwater recharge efforts. These include:
- A new dashboard to track recharge projects.
- Streamlined permitting processes to reduce approval times to 60 days.
- Support for local water districts pursuing recharge opportunities.
Last year marked the first increase in California’s groundwater storage since 2019, and these new initiatives aim to build on that momentum.
Jobs and Economic Growth.
The visit also underscored the economic benefits of investing in water infrastructure. Colusa’s economy, which is part of the broader Capital Region, stands to gain from job creation linked to water projects. The Governor highlighted the region’s economic blueprint, focusing on high-growth industries like precision manufacturing and working lands.
Each new job in these sectors is projected to generate up to three additional jobs, fostering long-term economic resilience.
“The future of California’s water supply flows right through Colusa County—and with that comes enormous economic opportunity,” Newsom stated during his visit. “We’re building more critical water infrastructure, faster, to secure water for the hotter hots and the drier dries.”
California’s dual focus on water sustainability and economic growth aims to prepare the state for a future shaped by climate challenges. With projects like Sites Reservoir and the Delta Conveyance in the pipeline, California’s water strategy could serve as a model for addressing the intersection of infrastructure and climate resilience.
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