Chico Times

Assemblyman James Gallagher has expressed approval for the Trump administration's decision to allocate an additional $200 million towards the Sites Reservoir project in Colusa County. This development is seen as a significant step forward in addressing California's water storage challenges.

"When President Trump took office, he promised more water for California farms and families. Today, he delivered on that commitment," stated Gallagher. He further commented on the prolonged delays caused by state authorities: "The state has dragged this project out for decades while Californians have been forced to get by with less. It’s time to get this thing done."

The completion of the Sites Reservoir is expected to provide California with an extra 1.5 million acre-feet of water capacity, which could serve 7.5 million people annually. Additionally, it is anticipated that approximately 2,000 jobs will be created for workers in the North State region due to this project.

However, last September, regulatory obstacles arose when officials from both the Biden and Newsom administrations did not grant necessary permits for progress.

Back in 2016, California voters approved Proposition 1, which was intended to enhance water supply infrastructure with a budget of $2.7 billion dedicated to such projects. Despite nearly ten years passing since its approval, no new dams have been constructed.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher represents California's 3rd Assembly District covering Butte, Glenn, Sutter, Tehama, Yuba counties and parts of Placer County.