News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Six Central Valley Project Interim Renewal Contracts

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

For Release: December 13, 2013

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation today announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment and draft Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed renewal of six Central Valley Project interim renewal contracts. Five of the interim renewal contracts are specific to Westlands Water District  and one is for a three-way partial assignment for Westlands Water District, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency.

Interim renewal contracts are undertaken under the authority of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act to provide a bridge between the expiration of the original long-term water service contracts and long-term renewal of those contracts. Each of the six interim renewal contracts would be renewed for up to two years beginning March 1, 2014. 

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=15981. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments on the Draft EA and FONSI must be received by close of business Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Please email comments to Rain Emerson, Bureau of Reclamation at remerson@usbr.gov.  Written comments may also be mailed to Rain Emerson, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or faxed to at 559-487-5397.   

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and or FONSI, please contact Rain Emerson at 559-487-5196 (TTY 800-735-2929). Copies of the Draft EA and FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Fresno office at the above address.

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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=15981