News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Environmental Document for the Merced Irrigation District Drought Resiliency Grant Project

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: June 03, 2016

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has prepared for public review an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Merced Irrigation District (District) Drought Resiliency Grant Project. The EA details Reclamation’s proposed grant of $297,977 to the District through WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Grant Funding. The District would use the funding to install two flow stage and weather stations to collect river flow and weather data along the lower Merced River, below the Crocker-Huffman Dam.

Data collected at the two flow stage and weather stations will be used to accurately inform an online management system that ties hydrologic modelling, reservoir simulation modelling, and river systems analyses into a real-time simulation of the Merced River watershed. Once installed, the project will allow the District to balance water management objectives with existing conditions in a more timely and efficient manner, while remaining compliant with water management regulations.

The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=24418. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by close of business Tuesday, July 5, 2016, to hkahler@usbr.gov. Comments may also be mailed to Harry Kahler, Bureau of Reclamation, MP-152, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 or faxed to 916-978-5055. For additional information or to request a copy of the EA, please contact Kahler at 916-978-5216 (TTY 800-877-8339).

# # #

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.