In a recent visit to a historic farm in Colusa, Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized his Administration’s commitment to enhancing California’s water infrastructure and creating jobs. This stop was part of his California Jobs First ‘tour,’ aimed at showcasing initiatives to bolster the state’s water supply and promote economic growth.
At Davis Ranches, a farm established in the 1800s, Governor Newsom observed sustainable farming practices that not only conserve water but also restore vital floodplain habitats. Engaging with local leaders from the California Jobs First Capital Region collaborative, he listened to their economic priorities and visions for the area’s growth.
Located near the planned Sites Reservoir, this farm visit highlighted a critical component of California’s Water Supply Strategy. The Sites Reservoir project is aimed at expanding the state’s water storage capacity by 4 million acre-feet, a crucial goal for addressing California’s ongoing water challenges. Last year, the Governor certified this project, streamlining its progress and sidestepping potential litigation delays.
Governor Newsom envisions a multifaceted approach to prepare for California’s hotter and drier future, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and essential water infrastructure development. During his visit, he announced new groundwater recharge initiatives designed to accelerate vital projects that replenish the state’s groundwater supplies, which approximately 85% of Californians rely on for part of their water needs.
The Governor’s infrastructure agenda is crucial for delivering upgrades across California. More details on local projects can be found at build.ca.gov.
Job Creation in the Capital Region
Colusa was the fourth stop on Governor Newsom’s California Jobs First tour, which has already included visits to Fresno, Kern County, and the southern border region. Last month, he introduced the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, focusing on job creation.
The Capital Region, encompassing Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties, hosts a diverse array of industries, from natural resources to biotechnology. By leveraging these strengths, the region aims to stimulate business growth and create high-quality job opportunities. Their strategic plan targets four key sectors: business services, precision manufacturing, working lands, and research and development. Each job created in these sectors is expected to generate an additional 1.6 to 3.1 jobs in the wider economy, fostering sustainable growth.
Accelerating Water Storage
Last year marked the first increase in California’s groundwater storage since 2019, a direct result of collaborative efforts to store more water underground. The Governor’s recent announcements aim to enhance these efforts, including the launch of a new dashboard to support recharge initiatives and streamline permitting processes to as little as 60 days.
Key projects championed by the Governor include the Sites Reservoir, which will capture water during wet seasons for use in drier times, with a capacity of 1.5 million acre-feet—enough to supply 3 million households annually. The project has already received early funding of $43.7 million from the state and is eligible for further funding through Proposition 1.
Additionally, the redesigned Delta Conveyance Project is set to modernize the State Water Project, allowing water managers to capture and transport more water during periods of heavy rainfall. This infrastructure enhancement is vital for safeguarding California’s water supply, especially in the face of potential earthquakes.
Governor Newsom’s initiatives represent a commitment to providing Californians with a sustainable water future while fostering economic growth in regions like Colusa.