Funding Process and Partners

Empty headState and Federal Funding

The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project aligns with state and federal storage objectives and the project has the potential to receive both state and federal funds for project implementation.

Los Vaqueros is one of the original CALFED surface storage projects included in the CALFED Record of Decision (PDF). Funding for initial studies was provided by both the California Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The Bureau of Reclamation, the long-term federal partner on the project, is providing funding for the ongoing Federal Feasibility Study evaluating potential benefits for wildlife refuge supply, a high priority ecosystem need. CCWD is working with key federal legislators to ensure continued federal funding for completion of the feasibility work.

The passage of Proposition 1 in 2014 provided an opportunity for state funding based on voters' interest in water storage projects in California. The California Water Commission is administering the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP) to fund the public benefits associated with these projects. 

In July 2018, the Commission approved the maximum conditional funding amount for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project, and now needs to complete the remaining Proposition 1 requirements, including final permits, environmental documents, contracts for the administration of public benefits, and commitments for non-Proposition 1 funding.