News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Final EA for Water User Commitment

Media Contact: Kara Lamb, (970) 962-4326, klamb@usbr.gov

For Release: April 05, 2012

Reclamation's Eastern Colorado Area Office announces the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Colorado Water Users' commitment to provide 10,825 acre-feet of water to the 15-Mile Reach of the Upper Colorado River. Copies of the Final EA and FONSI are available at www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao.

At the request of east and west slope water users of the Colorado River, Reclamation is considering entering into a number of long-term water contracts or agreements that would support and provide for 10,825 acre-feet of water from its upper Colorado River basin reservoirs. The water would be released to the 15-Mile Reach of the Colorado River, which is identified as habitat for endangered fish under the Upper Colorado River Endangered Species Recovery Program.

The EA was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to determine what, if any, effects might result from the proposed action. Reclamation studied the proposal for three years before signing a Finding of No Significant Impact. Comments received from the public were an important part of Reclamation’s NEPA process.

For additional information, please visit www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao, or contact Kara Lamb at (970) 962-4326 or klamb@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:

Eastern Colorado Area Office