News Release Archive

Reclamation’s largest Dam Safety project moves forward

B.F. Sisk Dam Modification Report submitted to Congress

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: August 11, 2020

B.F. Sisk Dam and San Luis ReservoirSACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the Bureau of Reclamation submitted the B.F. Sisk Dam Safety of Dams Modification Report to Congress. This is Reclamation’s largest project under the 1978 Safety of Dams Act, and when complete, will modernize the structure to reduce risk to water supply and downstream communities in an earthquake. 

B.F. Sisk Dam is a large embankment dam in California’s Central Valley that was constructed by Reclamation and is operated in partnership with California’s Department of Water Resources. The modification report describes the need for safety modifications and proposes corrective actions, along with other pertinent technical information applicable to B.F. Sisk Dam.

“B.F. Sisk Dam and San Luis Reservoir provide vital storage for both the federal Central Valley Project and California State Water Project,” said Commissioner Brenda Burman. “Reclamation’s proposed modifications offer the best balance of cost, constructability and risk reduction, and preserve all the benefits that the dam and reservoir currently provide.” 

Reclamation has concluded that structural modifications are necessary to ensure the dam can safely and reliably perform while continuing to serve its many beneficiaries. The report presents in detail the technical, economic, environmental, and other pertinent considerations supporting Reclamation’s conclusion.

The Executive Summary and additional information on the proposed $1.1 billion project is available at the following link: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/sod/projects/sisk/and the Environmental Impact Statement at: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=34281

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