As wildfires rage in desiccated southern California around Los Angeles, the state is looking to hire a construction manager at-risk (CMAR) for a $3bn project to build a large reservoir in the north, in the Sacramento Valley.
The state has been planning the Sites Reservoir since the 1950s. It formed the Sites Project Authority in 2010 and awarded it $800m in funding in 2018.
When complete and filled, the reservoir will cover some 6,000 sq km and will be 90m deep: California’s eighth-largest artificial lake.
The reservoir would be “off-stream”, meaning it will not be fed directly by a river.
Instead, the aim is to capture water from major storms and make it available during dry periods.
When completely full, it will be able to hold enough water to supply 7.5 million people for a year.
One contractor in charge
CMAR is a project delivery method whereby a construction manager is hired to oversee a project from start to finish.
The company acts as a consultant during the design and development stages, and as the main contractor during construction.
The authority said this procurement route was chosen to “optimise project delivery, manage risks, encourage local community collaboration, and provide the best value for project participants”.
Dams required
The scope of the project includes building two 90m-high main dams, seven saddle dams and three dikes, ranging from 2m to 34m in height.
Additionally, the CMAR will be responsible for building a concrete spillway on the north side of the reservoir rim, a 400m tunnel and the upgrading of about 10km of road.
The state has set a deadline of 10 March for bids.
The Sites Project Authority will draw up a shortlisted for an initial preconstruction services contract in the autumn. All being well, work will start next year and end in 2032.
Fritz Durst, chair of the Sites Project Authority board of directors, commented: “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.”
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