News Release Archive

Independent Review Panel Schedules Additional Public Meeting to Discuss CVPIA Refuge Water Supply Program

Media Contact: , , 02/24/2009 22:16

For Release: February 24, 2009

Media Contacts:
	Reclamation	Pete Lucero	916-978-5100	plucero@mp.usbr.gov
	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service	Cesar Blanco	916-978-6190	cesar_blanco@fws.gov

The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce an additional public meeting for the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Refuge Water Supply Program (Program) Independent Review panel.  The meeting will allow the public an opportunity to discuss the Program with agency staff and wildlife refuge managers.  The meeting will be held:

Sacramento

Monday, March 2, 2009 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. One Capitol Mall Map

Please Note: Ask Security staff for room location Allow time for Security check

With increasing water supply challenges and decreasing funding levels, Reclamation and the Service want to discuss how to prioritize future actions to achieve water supply goals.  During public meetings held on February 5 and 6, 2009, the panel heard presentations from Reclamation, the Service, refuge managers, and stakeholders.  The panel then requested additional time to ask questions and engage in dialogue with agency staff and refuge managers.

The independent review panel is composed of subject-matter experts charged with assessing the agencies' efforts in acquiring and conveying CVPIA-mandated quantities of water to State, national, and private wildlife refuges.  Reclamation and the Service have called for the independent reviews to seek outside recommendations on improving Program effectiveness and efficiency.  The panel is expected to complete reviews and produce a report by June 30, 2009. Additional information about the independent review process and a copy of the meeting agenda can be found at http://www.cvpiaindependentreview.com.  

For additional information on the CVPIA Refuge Water Supply Program Independent Review, please contact Ms. Shana Kaplan, Bureau of Reclamation, at 916-978-5190 or skaplan@mp.usbr.gov or Mr. Cesar Blanco, Service, at 916-978-6190 or cesar_blanco@fws.gov.

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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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.

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