Reclamation, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), is seeking public input on the Draft Environmental Assessment/Initial Study (EA/IS) for the conveyance of refuge water supply in the South San Joaquin Valley Study Area. The Draft EA/IS is available for a 20-day public review and comment period.

Reclamation is proposing to provide and/or improve existing conveyance facilities to deliver those quantities of water required for full habitat development on Pixley and Kern National Wildlife Refuges located in south San Joaquin Valley. The purpose of this conveyance project is to provide or upgrade facilities to support peak flows and year-round delivery of water supply requirements. The project is needed due to capacity constraints and/or maintenance requirements in existing delivery systems. Currently, water supplies are conveyed on an as-available basis, which is not consistent with refuge needs.

The Draft EA/IS is available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/refuge. A copy of the Draft EA/IS is available for review at the Delano City Hall, 1015 11th Avenue, Delano, CA 93215. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request a copy of the document or for additional information, please contact Ms. Mona Jefferies-Soniea, Reclamation Project Manger, at 916-978-5068 or via e-mail at mjefferiessoniea@mp.usbr.gov, or Mr. Paul Forsberg, DFG, at 916-323-7215 or via e-mail at pforsber@dfg.ca.gov.

Written comments on the Draft EA/IS must be received by close of business Friday, September 5, 2003. Send written comments to Ms. Mona Jefferies-Soniea, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-700, Sacramento CA 95825-1898 or via e-mail to mjefferiessoniea@mp.usbr.gov.