#United States #California #Fresno #Arcadis #Friant-Kern

Arcadis Selected for Key Management Role in Friant-Kern Canal Project

Arcadis, a prominent global design and consultancy firm, has recently announced its engagement by the Friant Water Authority to manage the construction of the Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction project, specifically on Phase 2A. This essential project is estimated to cost between $80 and $98 million and aims to restore a critical water capacity that has been compromised over the years.

The Friant-Kern Canal, which stretches over 152 miles, serves a crucial role in delivering water across California’s Central Valley. The canal has been adversely affected by decades of land subsidence, leading to a reduction in its carrying capacity. As a result, the amount of water that can be supplied to various farms, communities, and water districts has been limited. In response to this issue, the Middle Reach Capacity Correction Program was created to enhance the canal’s capacity and cement long-term water reliability for the region.

Phase 2A of this project encompasses approximately 2.7 miles of a newly constructed concrete-lined canal. It will also involve integrations for canal tie-ins, siphons, utility relocations, roadway restorations, and a series of associated infrastructure enhancements. The aim is to bolster the water conveyance ability while also promoting sustainable groundwater management and water reliability within the area.

Leadership Statements

Girish Kripalani, who is the Senior Vice President and California Sector Leader at Arcadis, expressed pride in supporting the Friant Water Authority. He highlighted the extensive expertise that Arcadis brings to the water sector, paired with substantial experience in managing some of the most intricate infrastructure projects in California. This unique combination of skills positions Arcadis perfectly to assist Friant in advancing its capital objectives and enhancing water reliability for communities, agricultural users, and regional water agencies throughout the Central Valley.

In further remarks, Ramin Massoumi, the Global Transportation Industry Executive at Arcadis, emphasized the significance of the investment that the Friant Water Authority is making for the Central Valley's future. He conveyed enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the authority, noting that Arcadis’ strong water capabilities and extensive experience in overseeing large and complex infrastructure projects primes the company to provide comprehensive support. The recognition of this contract reflects Arcadis’ commitment to aiding clients in delivering essential infrastructure while achieving meaningful results for the communities they impact.

About Arcadis

Founded with the mission of delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for both natural and built assets, Arcadis is recognized as a leader in its field. The firm employs around 34,000 professionals, including architects, data analysts, designers, engineers, and sustainability experts, all dedicated to enhancing quality of life. Arcadis is committed to fostering a sustainable future on our planet, working collaboratively with clients to make informed project decisions that are efficient and innovative. Operating in over 30 countries, Arcadis reported revenues of €4.9 billion for 2025.

This project marks a crucial step in withstanding the ongoing challenges posed by water scarcity and environmental change, underlining the importance of effective and sustainable water management solutions in California's Central Valley.