Reclamation's recent decision to delay issuing the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Intake Replacement Project was based on engineering assessments which indicated that the design would not have complied with National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines for all-flow conditions. In addition, the proposed design would not have adequately addressed ice build-up on the fish screens during severe winter weather.

Reclamation decided to delay issuing the Draft EA in order to further investigate the design challenges and to address public concerns presented at December 2009 public meetings. The agencies anticipate this investigation may take several months.

"Losing ARRA funding for the hatchery water intake is a disappointing setback, but we remain committed to working with local interests to find a solution that ensures that the hatchery continues to support commercial, recreational, and tribal salmon fisheries," said Tim Personius, Deputy Regional Director.

Design and construction of the Winthrop Hatchery adult holding pond and the new Leavenworth pollution abatement pond will continue using ARRA funds.