News Release Archive

Water Contract Amendment Proposed for Idaho Irrigation District

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Robert "Hap" Boyer, rboyer@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: April 20, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation has released a draft environmental assessment for a proposed amendment to Idaho Irrigation District's water service contract to include about 2,313 acres currently outside its boundaries and not receiving water.

This proposed action would increase the irrigation district's assessed acreage to that permitted by their contract. Idaho Irrigation District has lost approximately 2,000 acres to urban development; therefore they are proposing to exclude the acres lost to development and replace them by including 2,313 acres of adjacent agricultural lands.

This type of action is becoming more common in and around western cities where agricultural lands are being converted to urban developments. The draft EA has been prepared to document environmental review and evaluation in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The draft EA is available for viewing on the Internet at http://www.usbr.gov/pn. Printed copies are available for public review at Reclamation offices in Boise and Burley, Idaho. Written public comments must be received no later than May 11.

Any questions can be directed to Ryan Newman, SRA-6323, Bureau of Reclamation, 1359 East Hansen Avenue, Burley ID 83318-1821, (208) 678-0461 extension 38, or faxed to (208) 678-4321.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.