The primary purposes for holding this informal open house are to:

(1) clarify how Reclamation intends to proceed with implementation of security enhancements over the short and long term at Deer Flat Dams, and

(2) explain how Reclamation will involve interested members of the public.

Reclamation's security enhancements at the Deer Flat Dams are broken up into two phases. In Phase I, Reclamation will purchase security gates that could be deployed across the dam road to prohibit vehicle access if it is necessary to respond to an elevated security event or a direct threat to the dam. This is unlikely to present any change to the public traveling across the Lower Embankment of Deer Flat Dam. The scheduled completion date for Phase I is January 2009.

In Phase II, Reclamation will work toward a permanent solution to reduce the vulnerability of the Lower Embankment of Deer Flat Dams. Reclamation will begin exploring potential alternatives later this fall in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. There will be ample opportunity for the public to provide comment and input regarding the potential alternatives during this phase.

Reclamation's long-term goal is to implement necessary corrective actions for security and safety, with minimal inconvenience to the affected public. Reclamation will provide additional information at this meeting and have staff available to answer questions about the proposed security enhancements at the Lower Deer Flat Dam. The meeting room is accessible to people with disabilities.

If you have any questions about this open house, please contact Ms. Erika Lopez at (208) 383-2254 or Ms. Katy Loomis at (208) 383-2248.