News Release Archive

Reclamation Hosts Public Meeting for Minidoka Dam Spillway Replacement EIS

Media Contact: David Walsh, (208) 378-5026, dwalsh@pn.usbr.gov
Allyn Meuleman, ameuleman@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: April 02, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation will hold a public scoping meeting for the proposed Minidoka Dam Spillway Replacement project on April 7 in Fort Hall, Idaho. The spillway on the 103 year-old dam has been targeted for replacement and has reached the end of its functional lifespan.

The dam, located on the Snake River about 18 miles northeast of Burley, Idaho, is a major feature of Reclamation's Minidoka Project.

The scoping meeting will be an opportunity for the public to identify issues and concerns associated with the currently proposed alternatives, and to identify other potential alternatives that could be considered in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Alternatives currently being considered are: No Action as required under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), total replacement of the spillway and headgate structures, or replacement of just the spillway.

The April 7 scoping meeting will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Office, Business Council Conference Room, Pima Drive, Fort Hall, Idaho. The meeting facilities are physically accessible to people with disabilities.

In addition to comments received at the scoping meetings, written comments will be accepted through April 30, 2009, and may be submitted to Bureau of Reclamation, Snake River Area Office, Attention: Allyn Meuleman, Activity Manager, 230 Collins Road, Boise ID 83702-4520 or at (208) 383-2258. Comments may also be submitted by email at: minidoka_dam_eis@pn.usbr.gov.

Minidoka Dam was completed in 1906 and is operated as one of six storage facilities on the Snake and Henry's Fork rivers. The multi-purpose project provides irrigation, power production, flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

For more information about the project, please go to: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/eis/minidokadam/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/eis/minidokadam/index.html