The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today issued the Final Decision on implementation of Central Valley Project Improvement Act Section 3406(b)(2) (Final Decision). All comments received on the Draft Decision, dated December 18, 2002, have been carefully considered and responses to comments are included with the Final Decision.

Interior intends for this Final Decision to be implemented in the 2004 Water Year, beginning October 1, 2003. The interim period will be used to continue discussions with the State of California and other CALFED agencies to coordinate the Environmental Water Account and other CALFED Record of Decision activities with this Final Decision.

Copies of the Final Decision can be obtained by:

- Downloading a PDF version from Reclamation's website at www.mp.usbr.gov or

- Calling 916-978-5100, TDD 916-978-5608.

For additional information, please contact Lynnette Wirth at the Bureau of Reclamation's Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100, TDD 916-978-5608,lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.