News Release Archive

Reclamation and IWRB to host Boise River Basin Feasibility Study open house

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
Cynthia Clark, Cynthia.clark@idwr.idaho.gov

For Release: October 22, 2018

BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) will host an open house on Thursday, November 8, 2018, to share early-stage information about a feasibility study for increasing water storage capacity within the Boise River system, particularly at Anderson Ranch Dam.

The open house will be held at the Wyndham Garden Inn Boise Airport, located at 3300 S. Vista Avenue in Boise, Idaho, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. A short introductory presentation will begin promptly at 6:00 pm.

Additional capacity could enable storage of more runoff in high water years such as 2017, enhancing long-term water supply for critical irrigation, domestic, industrial, and municipal needs while continuing to meet endangered species and power generation needs. It could potentially provide greater flood risk protection as well.

“Reclamation has placed a high priority on enhancing our infrastructure, and we’re delighted to partner with the state to meet critical water supply needs,” said Reclamation’s Snake River Area Manager Roland Springer.

IWRB has committed to fund up to $3M as the 50-percent, non-federal cost share partner. IWRB was created by the Idaho Legislature and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of a state water plan, finance of water projects, and the operation of programs that support sustainable management of Idaho’s water resources.

“With support from Idaho’s Governor and Legislature, the IWRB is focused on managing available water supply and addressing aquifer declines state wide, including in the Treasure Valley and Mountain Home aquifer,” said Roger Chase, Chairman of the IWRB. “Given the growth anticipated in the Treasure Valley, additional surface water storage may be required to offset aquifer declines and meet future water needs.”

The study is expected to be completed in 2020.

For more information, visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/studies/boisefeasibility/index.html. Accessibility requests should be made by October 25, 2018, to BOR-SRA-BoiFeasibility@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.

Relevant Link:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/studies/boisefeasibility/index.html