News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Feasibility Report for the San Luis Drainage Feature Re-evaluation

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, (916) 978-5100, plucero@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: July 08, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation has released the San Luis Drainage Feature Re-evaluation Feasibility Report which presents feasibility level designs and cost estimates for two alternatives for drainage service in the Central Valley Project's San Luis Unit (SLU):  (1) In-Valley/Drainage Impaired Land Retirement and (2) In-Valley/Water Needs Land Retirement.  The feasibility report confirms that new legislation would be required to implement the In-Valley/Water Needs Land Retirement Alternative selected in the March 2007 Record of Decision.  The new legislation would increase the construction cost ceiling for distribution systems and drains for the SLU. 

The feasibility report was prepared in accordance with the March 1983 Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies.  It was developed to comply with a December 2000 order of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to provide drainage service to the SLU without delay.  To comply with the court's order, the Department is forwarding the report to Congress for consideration. 

Based upon preliminary analysis associated with the report's preparation, Reclamation initiated a concurrent process to explore an alternative solution to the drainage problem.  Reclamation continues to work with interested stakeholders on a proposal under which SLU irrigation districts would assume financial responsibility to provide drainage service within their service areas; this would relieve the Federal Government of the responsibility to provide drainage.  The districts already own most lands required to address drainage needs; thus, selecting this proposal would avoid the substantial land acquisition costs the Department would otherwise face and dramatically reduces the cost of a drainage solution.  The parties remain hopeful that the ongoing discussion will result in a cost-effective resolution of this long-standing issue.  Any alternative arising from this process would also require Congressional authorization.

The report may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/sccao/sld/index.html.  If you encounter problems accessing the report online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.

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