California-Great Basin

Division of Planning

The Division of Planning (CGB-700) is the keystone for new water storage and conveyance projects in the California-Great Basin. Our project managers provide policy and technical advice, planning expertise, and project and program management services to the California-Great Basin Regional Director, the Regional Management Team, and individual Regional managers. Our data modelers provide water resources analysis and tools to our project managers, other area offices, the State of California, cities, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

In collaboration with State and local partners, we prepare multipurpose water resource studies and develop integrated resource plans and projects to manage water, land, power, and other associated natural resources for the Region. One of our major responsibilities is directing feasibility studies for both potential new water projects in California’s Central Valley and for modifications to the California-Great Basin’s aging water system infrastructure.

Working within the WaterSMART framework, we conduct Basin Studies in cooperation with local agencies to analyze and plan for future supply and demand. In addition, we manage WaterSMART’s Title XVI Program, which reimburses project sponsors who construct authorized recycling, reuse, and desalinization projects.

Our project managers, economists, and other specialists address Regional water quality issues and regulatory requirements, evaluate and develop adaptive strategies for climate change impacts on hydrology, and compare the integrated Central Valley Project/State Water Project operations under various futures and assumptions for planning studies and other Regional decision-making processes. Our technical staff members evaluate various water infrastructure and management alternatives and strategies and their scientific underpinnings, and they objectively evaluate the benefits and impacts to water supply, water quality, power, and natural resources as well as compliance with Federal regulations.

Division of Planning project managers, modelers, and other specialists are available to assist other divisions and area offices as well as cities, the State, and NGOs with their economic, financial, and technical efforts.

 

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