The Bureau of Reclamation is reopening the public review and comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan (VSP). The comment period is being reopened for 45 days to consider additional economic information as part of the EIS process. The additional information differs from results presented in Reclamation's economic feasibility under the preferred alternative. Reopening the comment period provides an opportunity to evaluate the information within the public process. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted.

Reclamation is conducting the VSP process in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The Notice of Availability for the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2003. The public review period, originally scheduled to close on February 4, 2004, was then extended twice, through April 22, 2004. This most recent comment period extends from February 16, 2005, through April 4, 2005.

Since the late 1950s, seven concessionaires have had contracts with Reclamation to manage recreation at Lake Berryessa. Six of the contracts expire in 2008-2009; Pleasure Cove Resort's Interim Contract expires in December 2005. The purpose of the VSP is to develop a comprehensive plan for the re-development and management of visitor services that support diverse recreational opportunities at the lake in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies, and codes.

The DEIS and related economic documents may be viewed on the Mid-Pacific Region's Web site at www.usbr.gov/mp/berryessa. To obtain a CD or a printed copy of any of the reports, please contact Janet Sierzputowski at 916-978-5112 or e-mail jsierzputowski@mp.usbr.gov or fax the request to 916-978-5114. Individuals should provide their full name, complete mailing address, and phone number, and state which documents are needed in which format.

Comments must be received by close of business on April 4, 2005. Comments should be sent to Ms. Janet Sierzputowski, Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, 2800 Cottage Way (MP-140), Sacramento, CA 95825, or faxed to 916-978-5114, or e-mailed to jsierzputowski@mp.usbr.gov. Questions on the VSP should be directed to Mr. Pete Lucero, VSP Project Manager, at 707-966-2111, x106.