News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final EA/FONSI for 2010-2011 Water Transfer Program

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: February 26, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) for the 2010-2011 Water Transfer Program.

The purpose of the proposed action is to help make possible water transfers from willing sellers upstream of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta under contract with Reclamation to buyers in the State who are at risk of experiencing water shortages in 2010 and 2011.  Reclamation would review and approve proposed water transfers in accordance with the Interim Guidelines for the Implementation of Water Transfers under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA), which can be found at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3405a/index.html.

The water would be made available for transfer through a combination of cropland idling, crop substitution, and groundwater substitution and would be available for purchase by public and private water providers in California.  The EA analyzes the potential upper limit of water that may be made available by transfers in 2010 and 2011. This program is targeted at helping water contractors supplement local and imported supplies to meet critical demands due to consecutive drought years.

The Final EA/FONSI were developed to meet requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online. If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For questions on the Final EA/FONSI or to request a copy of the documents, please contact Mr. Brad Hubbard, Bureau of Reclamation, at 916-978-5204 (TTY 916-978-5608) or e-mail bhubbard@usbr.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.

Relevant Link:

NEPA Documents