News Release Archive

Reclamation releases Environmental Document for the Firebaugh Canal Water District Second Lift Canal Lining

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

For Release: November 30, 2016

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation prepared an Environmental Assessment for the Firebaugh Canal Water District Second Lift Canal Lining Project Phase 5 – Washoe Avenue to Ashlan Avenue. The EA details Reclamation’s proposed grant of $564,000 to FCWD through CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grant Funding to reduce canal seepage, improve water reliability, and update structures to allow conversion to high-efficiency irrigation systems.

The grant will partially fund the concrete lining of 1.7 miles of the Second Lift Canal of the FCWD Lift System, from Washoe Avenue to Ashlan Avenue, to reduce seepage losses. Grant funds would also go towards replacing control structures along that segment of canal to improve water management capabilities. Water conserved by the project would also reduce the discharge of subsurface drainage to the San Joaquin River.

The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and may be viewed at: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=27228. If you encounter problems accessing the document, please call 916-978- 5100 (TTY 800-877- 8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments must be received by close of business Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, and should be sent to Alexandra Woodward, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 or emailed to aawoodward@usbr.gov or faxed to 916-978-5055.

For additional information or to request a copy of the EA, please contact Woodward at 916-978- 5056 (TTY 800-877-8339). Copies of the document may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional Office at the above address.

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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.