News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Negotiation of New Repayment Contract with Westlands Water District for San Luis Drainage Collection Facilities

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100 TTY 916-978-5608 , plucero@usbr.gov
Valerie Curley, 559-487-5041 TTY 800-735-2929 FAX 559-487-5397, vcurley@usbr.gov

For Release: June 17, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation has scheduled the first session to negotiate a new repayment contract with the Westlands Water District (Westlands) to provide for reimbursement of federal funds used to construct drainage collection facilities within the northern sub-unit of Westlands. 

Westlands is an existing long-term water service contractor in the San Luis Unit of the Bureau of Reclamation's Central Valley Project.  Located west of the City of Firebaugh and extending south to Kettleman City, Westlands encompasses more than 600,000 acres of farmland in western Fresno and Kings counties.  The focus of this negotiation will be on reimbursement of federal funds associated with drainage collection facilities within the northern sub-unit of Westlands.  

In the San Luis Drainage Feature Re-Evaluation Study, completed in March 2007, Reclamation analyzed alternatives for providing drainage service to the San Luis Unit.  This contract action is being undertaken consistent with Section 1(a) of the San Luis Act of June 3, 1960, (Public Law 86-488, 74 Stat. 156).  

The first negotiation session is scheduled for:

The public is welcome to attend and will have the opportunity to comment.  Participation instructions will be provided at the beginning of the session along with pertinent documents.  For additional information, please contact Valerie Curley, Contract Administration Branch chief, at 559-487-5041 (TDD 800-735-2929) fax 559-487-5397 or e-mail vcurley@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.