News Release Archive

United States Mails Notices to Truckee River Water Right Owners Under Federal Court Decree in the Case of U.S. v. Orr Ditch Water Company, No. A-3

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 12/10/2009 18:13

For Release: December 10, 2009

On December 9, 2009, the United States Department of Justice mailed notices to owners of water rights for the use of Truckee River water under the Federal court decree in the case of U.S. v. Orr Ditch Water Company,  No. A-3, including owners of water rights in the Bureau of Reclamation's Newlands Project.  The notice informs water right owners of a motion filed by the U.S. and other parties in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada to amend the final decree to reflect changes needed to implement the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA).  The notice also provides instructions on how water right owners can participate in further proceedings.  This mailing was directed by the U.S. District Court and includes a copy of the District Court's Initial Scheduling and Case Management Order. 

On September 6, 2008, after 18 years of negotiation, TROA was signed by representatives of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe; States of California and Nevada; United States; Truckee Meadows Water Authority; Cities of Reno, Sparks, and Fernley; Washoe County; and water agencies and public utility districts in Nevada and California. 

TROA was negotiated pursuant to Section 205 of the Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990, Title II of Public Law 101-618 (Settlement Act).  The Settlement Act requires, among other things, that in order to enter into effect, the signed TROA must be submitted to the U.S. District Court with supervision over the 1944 Orr Ditch Decree for approval of any necessary modifications to that decree.  The motion to modify or amend the Orr Ditch Decree was filed on November 20, 2008.  The mailing of December 9, 2009, consisted of approximately 7,700 notices, including notices to all water rights owners in the Newlands Project.

For additional information, please contact Mr. Kenneth Parr, Area Manager, Lahontan Basin Area Office, Mid-Pacific Region, Bureau of Reclamation, at 775-884-8344 (TDD 775-882-3436).

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