News Release Archive

Reclamation announces availability of Laguna Reservoir Restoration Project Environmental Assessment for Review and Comment

Media Contact: Jack Simes, 928-343-8334, jsimes@lc.usbr.gov

For Release: May 15, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) today released an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the Laguna Reservoir Restoration Project for public review and comment.

The proposed action would provide increased capacity in the reservoir behind Laguna Dam to capture water flows from Imperial Dam and to maintain the operational integrity of Laguna Dam.

The project would increase the storage behind Laguna Dam from approximately 450 acre-feet (af) to 1,500 af by dredging accumulated sediment from behind the dam and weir, and from the existing river channel. The sediment removal plan will avoid as much of the existing wetlands as is practicable, while meeting the purpose and need for the project.

Copies of the EA and draft Finding of No Significant Impact are available for review on Reclamation's www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma Web page, or by request to Ms. Dedina Williams, at (928) 343-8149 or dwilliams@lc.usbr.gov. Comments will be accepted for 30 days after the publication of this notice. Comments should be submitted to Mr. Julian DeSantiago at 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma AZ 85364, via e-mail at jdesantiago@lc.usbr.gov and/or fax number 928-343-8320.

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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.