The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review a Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for continuation of an Accelerated Water Transfer Program that has allowed water transfers and exchanges between Central Valley Project contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Cross Valley contractors since 1996.

The Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 authorizes accelerated water transfer programs.  The Draft  Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (Draft EA/FONSI) addresses extension of the proposed Accelerated Water Transfer Program (AWTP) from March 1, 2011 through February 29, 2016.  It also analyzes the AWTP effects on federal wildlife refuges receiving Central Valley Project (CVP) water from contractors participating in the AWTP.

Annual water transfers and exchanges in the AWTP would be limited to a total of 150,000 acre-feet for actions between the CVP Delta Division, San Felipe Division, and San Luis Unit (South of Delta) contractors.  This total includes transfers from Cross Valley contractors to South of Delta contractors. 

The Draft EA/FONSI was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available online.  If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments must be received by close of business Monday, January 31, 2011, and should be sent to Chuck Siek, Bureau of Reclamation, South-Central California Area Office, 1243 N Street, Fresno CA 93721.  Comments may also be faxed to Mr. Siek at 559-487-5397 or e-mailed to csiek@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA/FONSI, please contact Mr. Siek at 559-487-5138, TTY 800-735-2929.  Copies of the draft documents may also be viewed at Reclamation's Fresno office at the above address.