MP-09-087

Media Contacts: 

• Reclamation - Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov
• Western Area Power Administration - Randy Wilkerson, 720-962-7056, wilkerson@wapa.gov

The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the Western Area Power Administration, has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC)/California Aqueduct (CA) Intertie (Intertie).  The Intertie would connect the DMC and the CA via a new pipeline and pumping plant to help meet current water supply demands, allow for maintenance and repair activities, and provide the flexibility to respond to Central Valley Project and State Water Project emergencies.  The project was identified as a proposed action in the August 2000 CALFED Bay-Delta Program Programmatic Record of Decision.

Two public hearings will be conducted to solicit public comment on the Draft EIS.  The hearings will be held:

The Draft EIS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  Reclamation is the lead Federal agency for NEPA and has made the document available for a 45-day public review and comment period.  The Draft EIS is available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=1014.  If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail lwirth@usbr.gov.

Written comments must be received by close of business Monday, August 31, 2009, and should be sent to Mr. Louis Moore, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-140, Sacramento, CA 95825.  Comments may also be faxed to Mr. Moore at 916-978-5114 or e-mailed to wmoore@usbr.gov.  For additional information, please contact Mr. Moore, at 916-978-5106 (TDD 916-978-5608).