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News Release Archive
Reclamation Expands Number of Public Workshops for Kachess Emergency Temporary Floating Pumping Plant Project
Media Contact:
Candace McKinley, (509) 575-5848 ext. 232, cmckinley@usbr.gov
Michael Williamson, mwilliamson@usbr.gov
For Release: November 24, 2015
YAKIMA, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation is beginning its public scoping process for the Roza Irrigation District’s proposed Kachess Emergency Temporary Floating Pumping Plant (KETFPP) Project. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and for better regional coverage, there will now be three public scoping workshops:
December 7, 2015 - 4 pm to 7 pm: Hal Holmes Center, 209 N. Ruby Street Ellensburg, WA
December 8, 2015 - 4 pm to 7 pm: U.S. Forest Service Cle Elum Ranger District, 803 W. 2nd Street Cle Elum, WA
December 9, 2015 - 4 pm to 7 pm: Best Western, 1849 Quail Lane Sunnyside, WA
The purpose of these scoping workshops is to give the public an opportunity to discuss the proposed project and identify issues and concerns relating to environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and potential alternatives.
The proposed KETFPP would consist of a temporary floating pump facility with the ability to access up to 50,000 acre-feet of water from Kachess Reservoir that otherwise would be inaccessible due to low water elevations. This water could then be pumped into the Yakima River system to supply Roza Irrigation District with temporary emergency drought relief in 2016 should conditions warrant. It will also allow for minimum flows in the river for fisheries benefits until the reservoir returns to normal operational levels.
Further information on this proposed project can be found at: www.roza.org. The NEPA document is anticipated to be issued in early 2016.
The workshop facilities are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for other special assistance should be directed to Candace McKinley by calling (509) 575-5848, or email to roza@usbr.gov by Nov. 24, 2015.
In addition to comments received at the scoping workshops, written comments will also be accepted through Dec. 18, 2015. Comments should be submitted to Candace McKinley, Environmental Program Manager, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima, WA 98901 or by email to roza@usbr.gov.
For additional information or questions, please call (509) 575-5848, ext. 613.
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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.
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