The scoping meetings will give the public the opportunity to identify issues and concerns associated with the currently proposed alternatives, and to identify other potential alternatives that could be considered in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Alternatives currently being considered are No Action as required under National Environmental Policy Act, total replacement of the spillway and headgate structures, or replacement of just the spillway. Scoping meetings will be held:

December 3, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Red Lion Hotel 475 River Park Way, Idaho Falls, ID

December 4, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Burley Best Western Inn 800 North Overland Avenue, Burley, ID

In addition to comments received at the scoping meetings, written comments will be accepted through December 19, and may be submitted to Bureau of Reclamation, Snake River Area Office, Attention: Allyn Meuleman, Activity Manager, 230 Collins Road, Boise, ID 83702, or at 208-383-2258. Comments may also be submitted electronically to minidoka_dam_eis@pn.usbr.gov. The meeting facilities are physically accessible to people with disabilities.

Minidoka Dam was constructed in 1906 by Reclamation as part of the Minidoka Project. The dam is operated as one of five storage facilities constructed on the Snake and Henrys Fork rivers. The multi-purpose project provides irrigation, power production, flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

For more information about the project, please go to: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/eis/minidokadam/index.html