Reclamation has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Mendota Pool 10-Year Exchange Agreements for public review and comment. The project goals are to: (1) improve the reliability to deliver cost-effectively irrigation water to the San Luis Canal without affecting Central Valley Project water deliveries at Mendota Pool, and (2) offset cutbacks in Central Valley Project irrigation water supplies as a more balanced distribution of water among competing uses is sought.

Written comments must be received within 60 days of release of the Draft EIS. Please mail written comments to David Young, Bureau of Reclamation South-Central Area Office, 1243 "N" Street, Fresno, CA 93721-1813. Comments can also be sent via e-mail to dkyoung@mp.usbr.gov or faxed to 559-487-5397.

The Draft EIS and technical appendices are available for public review at the central library in Fresno, California. They are also available on-line at: www.usbr.gov/mp/sccao/index.html.

To request a printed copy of the Draft EIS, and/or technical appendices, or to obtain additional information, call Mr. Young at 559-487-5127.