News Release Archive

Environmental Documents Available for Renewal of Shasta and Trinity River Divisions Long-Term Water Service Contracts

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: August 31, 2004

The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Draft Updated Environmental Assessment (EA) and the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed long-term Central Valley Project (CVP) water service contracts between Reclamation and the Contractors within the Shasta and Trinity River Divisions of the CVP. The proposed contracts are for the delivery of up to 55,050 acre-feet of CVP water per year.

The water service Contractors that are covered under this Draft Updated EIS/Draft FONSI include Bella Vista Water District, Clear Creek Community Services District, City of Redding, City of Shasta Lake, Shasta Community Services District, Shasta County Water Agency, Centerville Community Services District, Keswick County Services Area, Mountain Gate Community Services District, and the U.S. Forest Service. Depending on the Contractor, Reclamation proposes to renew the water service contracts for agricultural and/or municipal and industrial uses. Eight of the ten proposed contracts would be renewed for up to 40 years. Contracts with Bella Vista Water District and Clear Creek Community Services District (water service districts with agricultural water users) would be renewed for up to 25 years.

On July 2, 2004, a 60-day public review and comment period was initiated for these contracts. The forms of contract are available on-line at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html, click on 2004 Forms of Contract.

The Draft Updated EA/Draft FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available for a 30-day public review and comment period. The documents are available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html, click on Draft EAs/FONSIs and scroll to Shasta and Trinity River Divisions Contractors. The draft documents may also be reviewed at Reclamation's Shasta Area Office, 16349 Shasta Dam Boulevard, Shasta Lake, California.

Written comments must be received by close of business on Friday, October 1, 2004, and should be sent to: Dr. Buford Holt, Bureau of Reclamation, 16349 Shasta Dam Boulevard, Redding, CA 96019. Comments may also be e-mailed to bholt@mp.usbr.gov or faxed to 530-275-2441. For additional information or to request a copy of the Updated Draft EA and/or Draft FONSI, please contact Dr. Holt at 530-275-1554.

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Relevant Link:

Draft Updated Environmental Assessment (EA) and the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)