Sites Project Authority Selects Barnard Construction Company for Reservoir Pre-Construction Planning Contract
Maxwell, CA – Today, the Sites Project Authority (Authority) announced that Barnard Construction Company, Inc. was selected for the Reservoir Package Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract to construct the up to $3 billion reservoir and roads package of the Sites Reservoir Project (Project). This initial award is for pre-construction planning, so the contractor can provide collaborative input as the Project moves from 30 percent design to construction.
“Selecting a CMAR contractor is a major milestone for reaching construction of Sites Reservoir and ensures we can advance a project that is constructable, cost-effective, and designed to serve California for generations,” said Fritz Durst, Chair of the Sites Project Authority Board of Directors. “With the board’s decision to bring the CMAR team on board, we can move efficiently toward breaking ground; take the immediate and necessary next steps in finalizing labor agreements with the construction trades, while maintaining transparency and accountability; and upholding the high standards expected of a project of this magnitude.”
The Authority plans to carry out preconstruction in two phases. In the first phase, the Authority will work with the contractor to advance select preconstruction work under a lump sum arrangement; the second phase will begin once all Project funding is secured and all Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) construction packages are developed and awarded.
While construction will not begin until late 2026, early engagement with the CMAR team allows the Authority to leverage the contractor’s large-scale infrastructure experience and technical strengths to position the Project for a smooth transition into construction. The CMAR delivery method was selected to optimize project delivery, manage risks, encourage local community collaboration, and provide the best value for Project participants.
“Barnard Construction would like to express its sincere appreciation for being selected as the CMAR contractor for the Authority’s Reservoir project,” said Mike Fuller, Vice President of Barnard Construction Company, Inc. “We recognize all the efforts to date by the Authority and its member organizations. We are proud to be part of this historic endeavor and look forward to working with all the stakeholders and the local communities to successfully deliver this important infrastructure project.”
This contract package includes the construction of two large dams and nine smaller embankments that will create Sites Reservoir, the three-quarter mile Sites-Lodoga Bridge, and an inlet/outlet structure that will manage water imports and exports from the reservoir and other key facilities. The contract value of this work is expected to be approximately $3 billion.
Additional information is available in the Authority Board’s Reservoir CMAR Contract report.
Sites Reservoir would increase water supply throughout California and provide, for the first time, environmental benefits by storing water specifically for the environment to support native wildlife and their habitat during drought periods. The 1.5 million acre-foot, off-stream, water storage project is being advanced to increase California’s water and climate resiliency while also protecting and enhancing the environment.
