Reclamation is continuing work on the draft Environmental Impact Statement on operation of the authorized features and facilities of the Klamath Project. The Notice of Intent (NOI) was published in the Federal Register on May 5, 2003, and starts a 120-day formal scoping period which closes Tuesday, September 2, 2003.

The action being proposed is the implementation of an operations plan through March 2012 that provides for the continual operation of the Klamath Project in a way that meets its legal obligations. The action stems from an underlying need to reduce uncertainty to the extent possible by Reclamation, agricultural water users, Tribes, National Wildlife Refuges, and other interested/affected parties about both the short and long-term availability of project water.

A public mailing that outlines the project timeline and public involvement opportunities will be issued in the coming months. Please send requests to receive the public mailing and/or written comments to Daniel Fritz, Project Manager, Klamath Basin Area Office, Mid-Pacific Region, Bureau of Reclamation, Attn: KO-150, 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603.

For additional information or to download the document, go to Reclamation's website at: http://www.mp.usbr.gov/kbao/. You may also contact the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100, TDD 916-978-5608, or Daniel Fritz, Project Manager, at 541-880-2556, TDD 541-883-6935.