News Release Archive

Media Advisory -- Reclamation Recognizes Accomplishments At Meyers Farm Water Bank

Commissioner Keys To Visit

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, 09/22/2004 18:41

For Release: September 22, 2004

On Friday, September 24, 2004, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner John W. Keys, III, will visit the site of the Meyers Farm Water Bank near Mendota Pool. At the invitation of Marvin Meyers, representatives from Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, and other State and local agencies will tour the facility and view a Powerpoint presentation. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Spreckels Sugar, 29400 W. Whitesbridge Road, Mendota, California (see directions below).

The investigation and testing for a viable groundwater banking program on Meyers property began in 1998. Mr. Meyers initiated the investigation, at his own risk and expense, as a means of improving the reliability of surface water supplies for Meyers Farms. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Commissioner Keys, construction of the Meyers Farm Water Bank began in January 2002. The bank started with 3 recharge ponds and has expanded to 4 recharge ponds on 76 acres with a surface storage capacity of 400 acre-feet. The ponds are believed to have the capability of recharging up to 5000 acre-feet per year. The ponds are operated to provide seasonal resting habitat and short-term forage for migratory waterfowl.

Directions from I-5 - Take the Nees Avenue exit and proceed East. Turn right onto Highway 33 and proceed South. At the Y, verge left onto Highway 180 (Whitesbridge Road) and proceed East. Spreckels Sugar plant will be on the left side of the road.

Directions from Hwy 99 - Take Highway 180 - Kerman exit and proceed West. This is Whitesbridge Road. Continue on through Kerman. Spreckels Sugar plant will be on your right.

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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.