Bureau of Reclamation News: Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents for a Warren Act Contract for Merced Irrigation District to Westlands Water District

Mid-Pacific Region
Sacramento, Calif.

Media Contact:

Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer
916-978-5100

Released On: November 01, 2012

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents for a Warren Act Contract for Merced Irrigation District to Westlands Water District

FRESNO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation today has released a Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for a Warren Act Contract associated with the transfer of up to 10,000 acre-feet of Merced Irrigation District’s non-federal water to Westlands Water District.

The water will be released over a period of a year from storage in Lake McClure/New Exchequer Dam and conveyed in the San Joaquin River to Patterson Irrigation District and Banta-Carbona Irrigation District. The irrigation districts will then convey the water to the Delta-Mendota Canal for delivery to Westlands.

The Draft EA and FONSI were released for public comment from Sept. 28 to Oct. 12, 2012. Reclamation’s response to comments can be found in the final environmental documents.

The Final EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=11130. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Final EA and FONSI, please contact Ben Lawrence at 559-487-5039 (TTY 800-735-2929).

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.

Relevant Links:

Final EA and Fonsi