Bureau of Reclamation News: PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING SCHEDULED ON WORKING DRAFTS OF THE BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT OPERATIONS CRITERIA AND PLAN

Mid-Pacific Region
Sacramento, Calif.

Media Contact:

Jeffrey McCracken
916-978-5100

Released On: May 27, 2003

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING SCHEDULED ON WORKING DRAFTS OF THE BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT OPERATIONS CRITERIA AND PLAN

Reclamation has scheduled a public information meeting on the Biological Assessment being prepared for the Central Valley Project Operations Criteria and Plan (CVP OCAP). The draft documents will be made available on line at www.mp.usbr.gov prior to the meeting.

Pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Reclamation will be requesting formal consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on five aquatic species. Consultation with FWS will be on Delta smelt and splittail and with NOAA Fisheries on steelhead, winter-run, and spring-run Chinook salmon.

The OCAP has been prepared to serve as a baseline description of the facilities and operating environment of the divisions of the CVP. The OCAP identifies many factors influencing the decision-making process and physical and institutional conditions under which the project currently operates. Regulatory and legal requirements are explained and alternative operating models and strategies are described in the OCAP.

The meeting will be held: In Sacramento Monday, June 16, 2003 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Best Western Expo Inn 1413 Howe Avenue, Expo Room

For additional information or to request a paper copy of the draft documents, please contact Ms. Sammie Cervantes at 916-978-5104, TDD 916-978-5608. If special assistance is needed at the public meeting, please contact Ms. Cervantes. For additional information on the draft documents, please contact Ms. Ann Lubas-Williams at 916-979-2068, TDD 916-979-2183.

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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.