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- Reclamation Releases Draft EA/FONSI for a Recharge and Recovery Facility Improvement Project in the Antelope Valley of Southern California
News Release Archive
Reclamation Releases Draft EA/FONSI for a Recharge and Recovery Facility Improvement Project in the Antelope Valley of Southern California
Media Contact:
Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov
For Release: February 05, 2010
The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability for public review and comment of the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) for the Antelope Valley Initial Recharge and Recovery Facility Improvement Project (Project) located in Southern Kern County, California. The Project includes new pipelines and recovery wells, a new basin and turnout, and the buildup of existing basin levees. The improvements would provide Semitropic-Rosamond Water Bank Authority (SRWBA) long-term operational flexibility. The SRWBA could offer existing and potential water bank users a variety of options to buy, sell, lease, and/or exchange water to meet current and future demands. Existing and potential water bank users that would benefit include those within the Antelope Valley and other regions.
Michael Jackson, Area Manager of Reclamation's South Central California Area Office said, "This effort affords operational flexibility and helps provide reliable water supplies."
The Draft EA/FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=5036. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.
The Project was funded through the Challenge Grant Program's (Program) Water Marketing and Efficiency Grants effort by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It was selected through a competitive process based on ability to improve sustainable water supplies in the western United States. The Project met specific Program requirements, and Reclamation will provide up to 50-percent cost share funding. Additional Program information may be found at http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/bureau-of-reclamation/arra-challenge-grant-fact-sheet/
Written comments must be received by close of business Wednesday, February 24, 2010, and should be sent to Mr. Michael Inthavong, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Comments may also be faxed to Mr. Inthavong at 559-487-5194 or sent via e-mail to minthavong@usbr.gov. For more information or to request a copy of the draft documents, please contact Mr. Inthavong at 559-487-5044 (TTY 800-735-2922). Copies of the draft documents may also be viewed at Reclamation's Fresno office (see address above).
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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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