Reclamation contractors will begin cultural resource investigations from Pueblo to Lamar, Colo., in late April. They will be surveying possible routes of the proposed Arkansas Valley Conduit, a water project being evaluated by Reclamation in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

The investigations are part of the surveying research Reclamation is conducting for its preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. This NEPA document will evaluate three proposed federal actions: the proposed Arkansas Valley Conduit; an interconnection between the north and south outlets works of Pueblo Reservoir; and a possible long-term excess capacity Master Contract with Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District to store water in Pueblo Reservoir.

Cultural resource surveys are non-intrusive. Archaeologists and other specialists will drive to the property parcels, park their vehicles, and walk over the ground looking for archaeological or historic sites that could be affected by proposed construction activities. If any are found, photographs and notes will be taken to record the discovery. No artifacts will be collected from any of the investigated sites and there will be no ground disturbance.

To learn more about the proposed Arkansas Valley Conduit, interconnect, and proposed Master Contract, and the related NEPA process, please visit: www.usbr.gov/avceis.

Media is invited to contact Kara Lamb, Public Information Officer, at (970) 962-4326 or klamb@usbr.gov.