Who: Jerry Meninick, Yakama Nation Tribal Council chairman; Bob Golob, Chairman, Sunnyside Division Board of Control; Linda Hoffman, Director, Washington Department of Ecology; Bill McDonald, Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation; and Bill Rinne, Deputy Commissioner, Director of Operations, Bureau of Reclamation.

What: A groundbreaking ceremony for the beginning of a nine-year construction program designed to conserve water. The event is the first step in a $32.6 million effort, to be cost-shared under an agreement between the three partners based on a formula specified in the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Act.

When: November 15, at 10:00 a.m. Media availability immediately following the event.

Where: About 5 miles northeast of Prosser, Washington. Take exit 80 off I-82, north on Gap Road (1.5 mi), east on King Tull Road (3.5 mi), north on Pioneer Road (.5 mi), to the site located on the right side of Pioneer Road.

Why: This project represents a constructive step toward more effective water management in the Yakima Basin. The improvements and automation of the irrigation infrastructure will be matched by tangible increases in water remaining in-stream to benefit fish. Funding is authorized under Title XII of Public Law 103-434, Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project.

RADIO PRODUCERS: Advance actualities will be available Friday, November 12. Contact Dave Walsh at dwalsh@pn.usbr.gov for an e-mailed copy, or call (208) 378-5026.

TELEVISION EDITORS: Aerial b-roll will be available at the event.