The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Lower Tule River Irrigation District's proposed Tule River Intertie Project. The project entails modifications to the Wood Central Ditch and construction of a new earthen intertie canal.

The Draft EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=4779 . If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

This project was funded through the Challenge Grant Program's Water Marketing and Efficiency Grants effort by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It was selected through a competitive process based on ability to improve sustainable water supplies in the western United States. The project met specific Program requirements, and Reclamation will provide up to 50-percent cost share funding. Additional Program information about can be found at: http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/082009b.html.

Please send written comments to Ms. Rain Healer, Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721, by Friday, January 15, 2010. Comments may also be faxed to Ms. Healer at 559-487-5397, or e-mailed to rhealer@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and FONSI, please contact Ms. Healer at 559-487-5196 (TDD 559-487-5933). Copies of the draft documents may also be viewed at Reclamation's Fresno office.