California is on the lookout for a construction manager to oversee a $3bn project for a massive reservoir in the Sacramento Valley, as wildfires continue to ravage southern California. This effort, part of the long-planned Sites Reservoir, is aimed at improving water storage in the state. The Sites Project Authority was established in 2010 and received $800m in funding in 2018 to help realize the vision of a large reservoir that has been in development since the 1950s.

Once completed, the reservoir will span approximately 6,000 sq km and reach a depth of 90m, making it California's eighth-largest artificial lake. The reservoir, designed to be “off-stream,” will not be directly fed by a river, but instead aims to capture stormwater for use during dry periods.

When filled, the reservoir will store enough water to supply 7.5 million people for one year.

The project will be managed using the construction manager at-risk (CMAR) method, where the hired company will oversee both the design and construction phases. The approach is intended to “optimise project delivery, manage risks, encourage local community collaboration, and provide the best value for project participants,” according to the Sites Project Authority.

The project scope involves building two 90m-high main dams, seven saddle dams, and three dikes ranging in height from 2m to 34m. Additionally, the CMAR will be responsible for constructing a concrete spillway, a 400m tunnel, and upgrading 10km of road.

Bids are due by March 10, and a shortlist for a preconstruction services contract will be finalized in the autumn. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion slated for 2032.

Fritz Durst, chair of the Sites Project Authority board of directors, stated: “As one of the largest water infrastructure projects currently under development in California, Sites is a significant opportunity to enhance water reliability for the benefit of our communities, farms and environment.”