News Release Archive

Media Advisory: Kachess and Keechelus Projects EIS Public Meetings

Media Contact: Candace McKinley, (509) 575-5848 x603, 04/28/2015 17:44
Derek Sandison, dsan461@ecy.wa.gov

For Release: April 28, 2015

Who: Bureau of Reclamation, and Washington State Department of Ecology, Office of Columbia River

What: Informational presentations and open houses have been scheduled regarding the January 2015, Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Kachess Drought Relief Pumping Plant and Keechelus Reservoir-to-Kachess Reservoir Conveyance (KDRPP/KKC) Projects. These meetings are scheduled to complement the reopening of a 60-day public comment period that began April 15 and closes June 15, 2015.

Public comments on the KDRPP/KKC Draft EIS must be submitted by June 15 to the Bureau of Reclamation, Attention: Candace McKinley, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima, WA 98901-2058, by fax to 509-454-5650, or by email to kkbt@usbr.gov.

When:

May 4: Hal Holmes Center in Ellensburg, 1:30-3:30 p.m. & 5-7 p.m.

May 5: U.S. Forest Service Ranger District office in Cle Elum, 1:30-3:30 p.m. & 5-7 p.m.

Content at the four meetings will be the same. A presentation will begin at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at both locations, followed by an open house.

Why: The purposes of these projects are to help restore and enhance instream flows and aquatic habitat for fish; improve water supply reliability during drought years; improve the ability of water managers to respond and adapt to potential effects of climate change for agricultural, municipal, and domestic needs; and contribute to the vitality of the regional economy and riverine environment in the Yakima River basin.

For more information:

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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/pn/programs/eis/kdrpp/

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/eis/kkc/