The commercial services plan (CSP) and financial feasibility evaluation for Canyon Ferry Reservoir has been finalized and is being released today, according to Dan Jewell, Montana Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation. A draft version of the CSP was made available for public review and comment on August 31, 2004. Jewell said the CSP provides information on the types of commercial facilities and services that are necessary and appropriate at Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The CSP sets the stage for future concession operations around the reservoir. The report was prepared by Aukerman, Haas & Associates, a consulting firm in Fort Collins, Colo., that specializes in water-based recreation planning.

Jewell noted that public involvement was crucial to the commercial services planning process. "With the input from the public, the CSP contains conclusions and recommendations that Reclamation can adopt to strengthen the marina operations and other commercial opportunities at Canyon Ferry Reservoir." As an example, Jewell explained that one of the recommendations involves lengthening the term for any new concessions contract to twenty years. Jewell also added that the CSP was completed on schedule and as directed in the 2003 Final Resource Management Plan / Environmental Assessment for Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

The final CSP is available online at http://www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/canyonferry/