Reclamation has scheduled a negotiation session for 53 Central Valley Project (CVP) interim renewal water service contracts. The interim contracts are necessary because the existing interim contracts expire February 29, 2004, before the long-term contracts will be executed. The interim contracts are also needed to provide continued water deliveries to existing CVP contractors until long-term contracts are executed.

The negotiation session will be held:

In Los Banos Friday, December 12, 2003, at 10 a.m. San Luis/Delta Mendota Water Authority 842 Sixth Street, Board Room

The draft form of contract will be available prior to the negotiation session at www.usbr.gov/mp/calendar/index.html. The date, time, and location of the scheduled session may be subject to change on short notice; please check for possible changes on Reclamation's website calendar referenced above. Contract negotiations are open to the public, and members of the media and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. If special assistance is needed or for additional information, please contact Ms. Sammie Cervantes at 916-978-5104, TDD 916-978-5608.