NORTHSTATE, Calif. -- Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced the release of $315.5 million for state water storage projects. Of this funding, $200 million is allocated to the Sites Reservoir in California. Governor Gavin Newsom said the reservoir will capture water during wet seasons and store it for use during dry periods.
"It's all water they could have had! I went to the governor during my first term and said why don't you do this, and he said environmentalist," President Donald Trump said.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa has previously stated that he believes part of the solution to California's water issues lies in increased infrastructure, such as the Sites Reservoir. He also blamed environmentalists for delays in implementing such projects.
According to Governor Newsom, the funding released by the Trump administration was initially awarded by the Biden administration, making it obligated money. The total cost for the Sites Reservoir project is estimated to be $4 billion.