News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Warren Act Contracts with Madera Irrigation District

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: November 12, 2013

FRESNO, Calif. ­- The Bureau of Reclamation today released draft environmental documents on storage and conveyance of non-Central Valley Project surface water in federal facilities for use by Madera Irrigation District. This proposal is under the terms of their long-term Friant Division and Hidden Unit repayment contracts.

The district proposes to store and convey their non-project Fresno River, Soquel (Willow Creek) and Big Creek water supplies in Friant Division and Hidden Unit facilities. The proposal  would also allow delivery of a portion of the district’s Soquel water to Table Mountain Rancheria. Reclamation’s proposed authorization would be in effect for varying lengths of time between December 2013 and February 2043.

The Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=15641. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov. Written comments on the Draft EA and FONSI must be received by close of business Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 and should be sent to Nick Kilb, Bureau of Reclamation, South-Central California Area Office, 1234 N Street Fresno, CA 93721. Comments may also be faxed to Kilb at 559-487-5397 or emailed to nkilb@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and FONSI, please contact Kilb at nkilb@usbr.gov, 559-487-5044, or TTY 800-735-2929. Copies of the documents may also be viewed at Reclamation's Fresno South-Central California Area Office, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721.

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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:

http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=15641