News Release Archive

RECLAMATION SCHEDULES OPEN HOUSES FOR FOLSOM DAM ROAD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: April 05, 2004

Reclamation will hold two open houses to receive public comments on the environmental impact analysis to be prepared on the impacts of closing Folsom Dam Road. Reclamation is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, to examine the effects of the road closure on the natural and human environment. The Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2004.

Folsom Dam Road was closed indefinitely for security reasons on February 28, 2003, to preserve and protect the facility and for the public's safety. More than 700,000 people live in the metropolitan community below Folsom Dam. The closure followed a series of security reviews, including a final review conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The evaluations determined that uncontrolled access to Folsom Dam presents a clear security risk to the facility and the safety of the people and property downstream.

Alternatives to be studied in the EIS include: the proposed permanent restriction of public access; ending the indefinite road closure at a yet to be determined time; reopening the road on a partial basis, and a no action alternative that would reopen the road to the level of access in place before the February 2003 closure. Public open houses are scheduled to obtain comments on alternatives and the significant issues and impacts related to the proposed action. The meetings will be held in:

Sacramento Folsom Wednesday, May 26, 2004 Thursday, May 27, 2004 4:30 - 7 p.m. 4:30 - 7 p.m. Library Galleria West Meeting Room Folsom Community Center West Room 828 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95825 52 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95354 Written comments are due by June 10, 2004. They may be submitted by mail to Robert Schroeder, Project Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, California 95630; by fax to 916-989-7208; or via the project website at: www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/roadeis

If you have any questions or require assistance to attend these meetings, please contact Mr. Schroeder at 916-989-7274 (TDD 916-989-7285).

# # #

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:

Folsom Dam Road