News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Revised Draft Environmental Documents for Six San Luis Unit Central Valley Project Interim Renewal Contracts

Media Contact: Russell Grimes, 916-978-5100, rwgrimes@usbr.gov

For Release: March 23, 2017

FRESNO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review the revised Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (Draft EA/FONSI) for six San Luis Unit, Central Valley Project interim renewal contracts for the Westlands Water District (Westlands).

The contracts covered by the Draft EA/FONSI include Westlands primary contract and five contract assignments, one of which involves an agreement amongst Westlands, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency.

Consistent with a Ninth Circuit Court determination, Reclamation has prepared this revised EA to include a non-contract renewal No Action Alternative and the consideration of a reduced contract alternative based on an updated Water Needs Assessment.

Interim renewal contracts provide a bridge between the expiration of the original long-term water service contracts and the long-term renewal of those contracts, consistent with section 3404(c)(1) of the Central Valley Program Improvement Act.

The Draft 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=23069 . If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by close of business Thursday, April 6, 2017. Written comments may be mailed to Rain Emerson, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or emailed to remerson@usbr.gov or faxed to 559-487-5397.

For additional information, please call Rain Emerson at 559-487-5196 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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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.