News Release Archive

Public Scoping Meetings Scheduled for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916.978-5100, 08/02/2007 16:46
Ted Thomas, 916.653-9712

For Release: August 02, 2007

Non-interactive logo graphicThe Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) intend to prepare a Program Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (PEIS/EIR) for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP). A Notice of Intent to prepare the PEIS was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, August 2, 2007. The Draft PEIS/EIR will be a joint document prepared to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. The SJRRP is expected to be implemented by five agencies: Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, and DWR.

The SJRRP is the result of a Settlement reached in September 2006 by the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Commerce, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Friant Water Users Authority that ended an 18-year lawsuit. The Settlement is based on two goals: (1) to restore and maintain fish populations in "good condition" in the mainstem of the San Joaquin River below Friant Dam to the confluence of the Merced River, including naturally reproducing and self-sustaining populations of salmon and other fish; (2) to reduce or avoid adverse water supply impacts to all of the Friant Division long-term contractors that may result from the flows provided for in the Settlement.

Four public scoping meetings are being held to solicit public input on the scope of the PEIS/EIR, including resources to be evaluated, alternatives to be considered, and significant concerns and issues. The meetings will begin with a presentation on the purpose of the SJRRP followed by an open-house forum with several stations where participants can interact directly with Program team members. The meetings are scheduled:

Tulare
Tuesday, Aug 28
6 - 8:30 p.m.

Fresno
Wednesday, Aug 29
6 - 8:30 p.m.

Los Banos
Thursday, Aug 30
6 - 8:30 p.m.

Sacramento
Monday, Sept 10
1:30 - 4 p.m.

International Agri-Center Banquet Hall
4450 S. Laspina Street
Tulare, CA 93274
Map

Piccadilly Inn, University Ballroom
4961 North Cedar Avenue
Fresno, CA 93726
Map

Merced County Fairgrounds
Germino Room
403 F Street
Los Banos, CA 93635
Map

Library Galleria
828 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Map

Written comments on the scope of the environmental document are due by close of business Friday, September 21, 2007, and should be sent to Ms. Margaret Gidding, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way MP-140, Sacramento CA 95825-1898. For additional information, please contact Ms. Gidding at 916-978-5104, TDD 916-978-5608, or mgidding@mp.usbr.gov. For more information, visit www.restoresjr.com.

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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.