In what year did construction begin on the New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River?

The construction of the New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River began in 1978. This project was an important part of the Central Valley Project, designed to provide water storage and flood control, as well as contribute to irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in California. The timeline of the New Melones Dam is significant in the context of California's water management strategies, especially as the state faced increasing demands for water resources and the need for infrastructure improvements during that period.

The years leading up to 1978 were filled with planning, environmental assessments, and legal challenges, reflecting the complexities involved in large water infrastructure projects in California. Recognizing 1978 as the start of construction is essential for understanding the state's efforts in water management during that era.