News Release Archive

Final environmental documents completed for Bella Vista Water District solar energy projects

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: November 27, 2017

BELLA VISTA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation completed a Finding of No Significant Impact for Bella Vista Water District to install two solar photovoltaic power generation facilities near the cities of Bella Vista and Redding, with help from a WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant.

The two solar facilities would provide up to 608 kilowatts of combined energy to offset much of BVWD’s operating energy costs. The district’s goal is to meet approximately 80 percent of its electrical energy needs through the installation of solar voltaic generation equipment. Through the WaterSMART program, Reclamation provides cost-shared funding on a competitive basis for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy and protect endangered species or facilitate water markets. Reclamation provided BVWD a grant for $999,938 out of a total project cost of $2,571,782.

Reclamation completed the FONSI in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and it can be viewed at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=30121.

For additional information or to receive a copy of the document, please contact Doug Kleinsmith at dkleinsmith@usbr.gov or 916-978-5034 (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.