The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed long-term renewal of Central Valley Project water service contracts between Reclamation and seven American River Division Contractors. The proposed contract renewals allow for the continued diversion of up to approximately 330,000 acre-feet of water per year for municipal and industrial uses for an additional 40 years. The contracts covered under this Draft EIS include the El Dorado Irrigation District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Placer County Water Agency, City of Roseville, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sacramento County Water Agency, and San Juan Water District.

The Draft EIS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available for a 60-day public review and comment period. The draft document is available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html; click on Draft EISs and scroll to Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Renewal of American River Contracts. The draft document can also be reviewed at Reclamation's Folsom Office at the address indicted below.

A 60-day public review and comment period was initiated for the American River Division contracts on December 29, 2005, and they are accessible online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html; click on 2004 Forms of Contract.

Written comments on the Draft EIS must be received by close of business on Monday, March 21, 2005, and should be sent to: Mr. David Robinson, Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom CA 95630-1799. Comments may also be faxed to 916-989-7208 or e-mailed to drobinson@mp.usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a copy of the draft document, contact Mr. Robinson at 916-989-7179, TDD 916-989-7285. If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or e-mail lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.