News Release Archive

Reclamation Hosts Public Scoping Meeting on Proposed Title Transfer

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, 01/31/2017 15:39
John Petrovsky , jpetrovsky@usbr.gov

For Release: January 31, 2017

BOISE, Idaho – In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Bureau of Reclamation is conducting an environmental assessment regarding the proposed transfer of title for approximately 75 miles of irrigation drains and certain federal facilities to the Pioneer Irrigation District and the City of Caldwell in Canyon County. As part of the NEPA process, Reclamation is hosting a public scoping open house to determine the scope of issues to be addressed and identify issues related to a proposed action.

The open house will be held Feb. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Canyon County Building, located at 111 N. 11th Avenue, Room 130, Caldwell. People with special needs or other accessible accommodations should contact Rochelle Ochoa at 208-383-2277.

The title transfer proposal is limited to facilities and related property interests operated and maintained by Pioneer Irrigation District since the early 1900s. The district has fulfilled all repayment obligations for the federally owned facilities; however, title remains with the U.S. Government. A Draft Environmental Assessment will be prepared after completion of the scoping period and is expected to be released for public review in the third quarter this year.

Please send written comments no later than March 3, 2017, to Rochelle Ochoa, natural resource specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 230 Collins Road, Boise, Idaho, 83702-4520 or by email at rochoa@usbr.gov. You may also contact her for additional information or visit the website at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/pid/.

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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.

Relevant Link:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/pid/