News Release Archive

Public Scoping Meetings Scheduled on Updated M and I Water Shortage Policy and to Solicit Comment on Scope of Environmental Impact Statement

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 03/04/2011 10:41

For Release: March 04, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation has scheduled four public scoping meetings to solicit public input on the updated Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage Policy (M&I WSP) and to receive comment on the scope of a proposed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The proposed EIS will be prepared to analyze the potential effects of implementing the updated M&I WSP. A Notice of Intent will be posted in the Federal Register no later than Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Reclamation's Central Valley Project (CVP) is operated under Federal statutes authorizing the CVP and by the terms and conditions of water rights acquired pursuant to California law. During any year, certain water supply and/or operational conditions may limit the availability of CVP water and require the Policy be implemented during water short years. Public scoping meetings are scheduled in:

  • Sacramento - Monday, March 21, 2011, 2-4 p.m., Best Western Expo Inn and Suites, 1413 Howe Avenue
  • Willows - Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 6-8 p.m., Veteran's Memorial Hall Building, 525 W. Sycamore Street
  • Fresno - Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 6-8 p.m., Piccadilly Inn Express, 5115 E. McKinley Avenue
  • Oakland - Thursday, March 24, 2011, 6-8 p.m., Red Lion Hotel Oakland International Airport, 150 Hegenberger Road

For additional information on the project, please visit Reclamation's M&I WSP website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvp/mandi/.

There will be a 60-day comment period. Written comments on the scope of the EIS should be received by close of business Monday, May 9, 2011, and should be sent to Tamara LaFramboise, Natural Resource Specialist, Mid-Pacific Regional Office, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-410, Sacramento, CA 95825; or emailed to tlaframboise@usbr.gov. For additional information, please contact Tim Rust, Program Manager, Reclamation, via e-mail at trust@usbr.gov or at 916-978-5516 or Mike Chotkowski, Chief, Division of Environmental Affairs, Reclamation, via e-mail at mchotowski@usbr.gov or at 916-978-5025.

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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:

Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage Policy Website