News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Public Comment on Draft FONSI for the Hunters Hole Restoration Project, Yuma County, AZ

Media Contact: Juan Ramos , 928-343-8375, 04/28/2009 12:30

For Release: April 28, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, has developed a draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed restoration of the Hunters Hole backwater area.

Restoration of Hunters Hole will include the creation of riparian, marsh, and open water habitats, and restoring water flow within the Hunters Hole area in a way that sustains wildlife values while providing for border security needs. The proposed project is located in Yuma County along the Colorado River's Limitrophe Division, approximately two miles south of Gadsden, Arizona.

Reclamation is proposing to issue a License to the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) for the proposed restoration of the Hunters Hole site. The License would grant the YCNHA access to Reclamation withdrawn lands for implementation of the restoration project and long-term management and maintenance of the site.

Reclamation is seeking public comment on the draft FONSI. The 30-day public comment period, extends until the close of business on May 28, 2009. A copy of the final environmental assessment and draft FONSI can be downloaded from Reclamation's Yuma Area Office website, at: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma/environmental_docs/environ_docs.html.

Comments should be mailed to Mr. Julian DeSantiago, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma, AZ 85364. They can also be submitted to Mr. DeSantiago by e-mail, at: jdesantiago@usbr.gov. Comments must be submitted in writing via U.S. mail, e-mail, or fax, and must include personal identifying information of the submitter.

# # #

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.