Metropolitan Issues Statement on State Water Board Approval of Water Right for Sites Reservoir

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metropolitan Water District General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh issues the following statement on the State Water Resources Control Board’s approval today of a water right permit for the Sites Reservoir Project:

“The water right approved today is the foundation of the Sites Reservoir Project. Metropolitan appreciates the efforts of the Administrative Hearing Officer and the State Water Board to respond to and address our recent comments, allowing the project to better deliver its intended benefits.

“With this milestone reached, we look forward to further considering this possible investment, and its potential to provide the reliability Metropolitan is seeking as we adapt to the challenges of climate change. The information released through today’s decision will help Metropolitan’s board evaluate how the project may fit into Metropolitan’s climate adaptation objectives and the overall value of the investment.

“Metropolitan is potentially the largest investor in this project, with up to a 22% share. Since 2017, we have invested approximately $31 million into the planning, permitting and environmental review for the Sites project. The information produced through this process will also help inform our board’s decision on Metropolitan’s level of participation, if any, in the financing and construction of the project and will help our member agencies interested in investing in this project consider their options as well.”