News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Draft Environmental Assessment for Title Transfer to the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District

Media Contact: John Redding , (208) 378-5212
Brandon Tuck

For Release: May 27, 2004

The Bureau of Reclamation completed a draft environmental assessment for the proposed action to transfer title and responsibility for certain facilities in the Minidoka and Teton Basin Projects to the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District, located in southeastern Idaho. The draft EA complies with the National Environmental Policy Act and evaluates potential effects of the proposed transfer of ownership.

The draft EA addresses two alternatives; the no action alternative (Alternative A), and the proposed action (Alternative B) of title transfer as described in the Fremont-Madison Conveyance Act (Public Law 108-85, enacted on September 30, 2003).

The Fremont-Madison Conveyance Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer "all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the canals, laterals, drains, and other components of the water distribution and drainage system." This includes lands and facilities associated only with the Cross Cut Diversion Dam, the Cross Cut Canal, and the Teton Exchange Wells and related well permits.

Congress has recognized that FMID has effectively operated, maintained, and managed the district's water resources and facilities since construction in the 1930s. FMID has also satisfied the construction obligations for the diversion dam and canal.

The draft EA will be made available for a 45-day public review and comment period. A copy of the draft EA can be viewed on Reclamation's website at www.usbr.gov/pn. It will also be available for public review at various public libraries. To receive a paper copy or electronic copy on CD-ROM, please contact Mr. Mike Relf, Reclamation Activity Manager, at (208)-378-5106, at mrelf@pn.usbr.gov, or at the Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 North Curtis Road, Mail Code PN-6303, Boise ID 83706-1234. For questions about the proposed title transfer, contact Mr. Robert 'Hap' Boyer at (208) 678-046, ext. 15.

Reclamation will accept public comment on the draft EA until July 14. Please send written comments to Mr. Mike Relf, with contact information as provided above.

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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:

Fremont-Madison Irrigation District Title Transfer Environmental Assessment