News Release Archive

Folsom Dam Road EIS Preferred Alternative Changed

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: April 12, 2005

The Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register April 22, 2005, and will be made available to the public at that time.

The Bureau of Reclamation has changed the Preferred Alternative designation from permanent closure, which was identified in the Draft EIS, to the Restricted Access Alternative 2 in the Final EIS. The change does not represent a final decision for the road. Identification of the preferred alternative simply represents Reclamation's determination, at the time the Final EIS is published. Any of the alternatives analyzed in the Final EIS can be selected in the Record of Decision (ROD). Long-term access to the road will be documented in the ROD, which can be signed no sooner than 30 days after publication of the NOA in the Federal Register, which is when the Final EIS is made available to the public.

The decision to change the Preferred Alternative designation reflects an on going collaborative process between Reclamation and the City of Folsom. Implementation of a restricted access alternative would require the City of Folsom to comply with stringent Reclamation security measures and be responsible for all associated costs. This alternative generally allows traffic to cross the Dam Road during morning and evening commute hours.

Under the new preferred alternative, the road could be closed due to periodic maintenance and operational requirements deemed necessary by Reclamation. Folsom Dam and downstream interests would continue to be fully protected regardless of which alternative is ultimately selected.

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