News Release Archive

Reclamation schedules public meeting to discuss proposed Cibola Cut Old Channel Reconstruction Project

Media Contact: Doug Hendrix, 702-293-8391, dhendrix@usbr.gov

For Release: August 24, 2015

Yuma, Ariz. — Reclamation's Yuma Area Office announced today that it will soon begin preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Cibola Cut Old Channel Reconstruction Project, located along the lower Colorado River’s Cibola Division, just south of Palo Verde, California.

Based on the proposed action, Reclamation would restore flows through the lower section of the Cibola Cut Old Channel in order to enhance and protect fish and wildlife resources. Flows through the old river channel were established and are maintained to benefit fish and wildlife resources and habitat. Over time, flows through the channel have lost their capacity to circulate water properly due to sedimentation and improper channel mechanics.

To help gather information to determine the scope of issues associated with the proposed environmental action, Reclamation will host a public meeting in Blythe, California, on Friday, August 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Comfort Suites Hotel, 700 W. Donlon Street, in Blythe.

Members of the public and organizations that have an interest in this project are invited to attend the meeting and provide comments. Reclamation staff will make a presentation at 5:30 p.m., which will include an overview of the scope of the EA and a profile of the project schedule and objectives. Staff from Reclamation will be available at the meeting to accept comments and answer questions about the upcoming EA process.

For those unable to attend the public meeting, Reclamation will also accept written comments on the scope of the EA; all written comments are due by Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Please address comments to Mr. Nick Heatwole, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma, AZ, 85364. Comments can also be submitted by e-mail to Nick Heatwole at: nheatwole@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.