The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the long-term water service contract between Reclamation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. The proposed contract is for delivery of up to 850 acre-feet per year of water for municipal and industrial purposes for 40 years.

The Draft EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available for a 30-day public review and comment period. The documents are available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html. Click on Draft EA/FONSI and scroll to Draft EA/FONSI for the Renewal of the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery Long-Term Water Service Contract. The documents can also be reviewed at Reclamation's Fresno Office at the address indicated below.

A separate 60-day public review and comment period was initiated for the contract on November 5, 2004. The form of contract is available at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html; click on 2004 Forms of Contract.

Written comments must be received by close of business on Monday, February 7, 2005, and should be sent to: Ms. Lynne Silva, Bureau of Reclamation, South-Central California Area Office, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Comments may also be faxed to Ms. Silva at 559-487-5397 or e-mailed to lsilva@mp.usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a copy of the draft documents, contact Ms. Silva at 559-487-5807. If you need assistance accessing documents online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or e-mail lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.