News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Environmental Documents for Firebaugh Canal Water District Second Lift Canal Lining

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

For Release: December 12, 2016

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation released the Finding of No Significant Impact for the Firebaugh Canal Water District Second Lift Canal Lining Project Phase 5 – Washoe Avenue to Ashlan Avenue. The Environmental Assessment 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 public was provided an opportunity to review and comment on the EA from November 30, 2016 to December 7, 2016; no comments were received.

The grant would 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 and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=27228. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For questions on the project or to request a copy of the EA and FONSI, please contact Alexandra Woodward at (916) 978-5056 (TTY 800-877-8339), or email aawoodward@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.