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- Reclamation Issues a Record of Decision for the Madera Irrigation District Water Supply Enhancement Project
News Release Archive
Reclamation Issues a Record of Decision for the Madera Irrigation District Water Supply Enhancement Project
Media Contact:
Pete Lucero, 916 978-5100, 08/10/2011 15:42
For Release: August 10, 2011
The Bureau of Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Regional Director, Don Glaser, has signed a Record of Decision for the Madera Irrigation District's Water Supply Enhancement Project, which includes construction of a groundwater bank on property known as Madera Ranch, west of the city of Madera in Madera County, Calif.
"This project is another important step toward enhancing the reliability and flexibility of water supplies in the Central Valley," said Glaser. "The project also illustrates Reclamation's commitment to work with its partners on long-term water supply improvements."
Reclamation's Record of Decision (ROD) includes approval for the Madera Irrigation District (MID) to bank a portion of its Central Valley Project water outside MID's service area in the Water Supply Enhancement Project (WSEP) and approval for extension of a Reclamation-owned canal, and allows for any potential federal funding to assist in the cost of the project.
Upon completion, the WSEP will:
" Enhance water supply reliability and flexibility by using the excess aquifer space for surface water storage (water banking).
" Reduce existing and future aquifer overdraft.
" Reduce groundwater pumping costs.
" Increase groundwater quality.
" Encourage conjunctive use in the region as a means toward regional self-sufficiency.
Other federal and state agencies involved in various permits required to construct and operate the WSEP include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and California Department of Fish and Game. The MID intends to begin construction in spring 2012.
For a copy of the ROD or for questions, please contact Chuck Siek, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93720, csiek@usbr.gov 559-487-5138. (TTY 559-487-5933.)
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