News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Cross Valley Contractors Interim Renewal Contracts

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: September 05, 2013

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Central Valley Project two-year Interim Renewal Contracts for Cross Valley Contractors.

The proposed action includes two components: the proposed execution of up to eight Interim Renewal Contracts with the seven Cross Valley contractors for a two-year interim renewal period; and the proposed approving of the Cross Valley contractors’ exchange arrangements to coincide with the Interim Renewal Contracts.

The seven Cross Valley contractors are: County of Fresno, Hills Valley Irrigation District, Kern-Tulare Water District (two contracts), Lower Tule River Irrigation District, Pixley Irrigation District, Tri-Valley Water District and County of Tulare. Due to direct conveyance challenges, the contractors would obtain their CVP supplies via exchanges as set forth in Article 5(a) of the Cross Valley contractors’ respective water service contracts. Each of the Interim Renewal Contracts would be renewed for up to two years, beginning March 1, 2014, and the Article 5 exchanges would be in effect concurrently with the Interim Renewal Contracts.

The Draft EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and are available online at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=14761. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by close of business, Friday, October 4, 2013. Please email comments to Ben Lawrence, Bureau of Reclamation at blawrence@usbr.gov. Written comments may also be mailed to Ben Lawrence, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or faxed to 559-487-5397.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and FONSI, please contact Lawrence at 559-487-5039 (TTY 800-735-2929). Copies of the Draft EA and FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Fresno office at the above address. ###

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at http://www.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:

Draft EA and FONSI