News Release Archive

Reclamation to Host Public Meetings to Seek Input Regarding Goose Bay Modernization

Media Contact: Buck Feist, (406) 247-7607, 06/14/2013 00:00

For Release: June 14, 2013

BILLINGS, Mont. - The Bureau of Reclamation is hosting a series of three public meetings to update the public on progress with the Goose Bay Modernization Plan and to gather comments on proposed future concession and recreation opportunities provided within the Goose Bay Planning Area.

"Reclamation is hosting these meetings to engage the recreating public, local residents, and other folks who will be using the facility," said Brent Esplin, Montana Area Office Manager. "We're reaching an important point in the development plan for Goose Bay. Our goal is to have a modernized marina that protects the environment and allows for a safe and affordable recreational experience with concessions in place during the 2015 recreation season," Esplin said.

Goose Bay Marina is located on the eastern shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, near the midway point, north of Townsend, Mont. The bay is among the largest on the reservoir serving as a marina, and is a deep-water bay.

The public meetings will be held in Bozeman at the Holiday Inn, 5 Baxter Lane, on Tue., June 25; Townsend at the Townsend School, 201 North Spruce St., on Wed., June 26; and in Helena at the Montana Association of Counties, 2715 Skyway Dr., Suite A, on Thu., June 27. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the public is encouraged to stop by anytime before 8 p.m.

The meetings will be an open-house format. There will be several stations staffed by subject-matter experts in recreation planning, environmental compliance, and related disciplines who will be available to discuss the most recent progress on the Goose Bay Marina modernization plan.

In February 2013, Reclamation initiated a feasibility level design study, including basic utility system upgrades, layout of marina facilities, roads, trails, campsites, parking lots, and other site developments. A base level of development and a potential phased expansion to a high level of development were included in the feasibility design.

For more information or to provide comments on the Goose Bay Modernization Plan visit www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/canyonferry/goosebay/. Comments will be accepted until July 26.

# # #

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:

Montana Area Office Home Page