News Release Archive

Draft EA Issued for Proposed Title Transfer to Pioneer Irrigation District

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Mike Relf, mrelf@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: August 13, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed transfer of title for about 75 miles of irrigation drains and certain federal facilities to the Pioneer Irrigation District (PID) in Canyon County, Idaho.

The title transfer proposal is limited to facilities and related property interests which have traditionally been operated and maintained by PID since their construction by Reclamation in the early 1900s. PID has fully paid off its repayment obligations for the federally-owned portion of the drainage system; however, title remains with the U.S. Government.

The transfer proposal is in keeping with Reclamation's goal of increasing the cost-effectiveness of its operations. The facilities are drainage channels and associated rights-of-way and easements. The proposal does not include water rights, storage rights, water management agreements, or facilities maintained by other entities.

Authority to transfer title can only be granted to Reclamation by the U.S. Congress. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires Reclamation to evaluate the environmental impacts resulting from this action.

NEPA requirements call on Reclamation to seek public input to the Draft EA for the proposed title transfer. Written comments for this proposal can be sent to the Bureau of Reclamation, Snake River Area Office, Attention: Gretchen Fitzgerald, 230 Collins Road, Boise ID 83702-4520 by September 14, 2007. Questions concerning the Draft EA or the NEPA process should be directed to Gretchen Fitzgerald at (208) 383-2231. The documents will be located at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/pid/index.html.

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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.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/pid/index.html