News Release Archive

Reclamation and the State of North Dakota Release the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project

Media Contact: Patience Hurley , 701.221.1204 , phurley@gp.usbr.gov
Merri Mooridian , 1.800.532.0074, merrim@daktel.com

For Release: December 21, 2007

(December 21, 2007) The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation and the State of North Dakota, represented by the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, announced today the release of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project Final Environmental Impact Statement.

The purpose of the environmental impact statement is to evaluate alternatives to meet the long-term water supply needs of the Red River Valley in North Dakota and three Minnesota cities. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) evaluates six alternatives; one no action and five action alternatives. Each project alternative would supplement existing water supplies with new or expanded use of water features in the Red River Basin or would import water from the Missouri River.

The FEIS includes responses to public comments received on the Draft and Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statements. The document also contains new information including a final biological assessment prepared in compliance with the Endangered Species Act, an analysis of forecasted depletions and sedimentation on the Missouri River mainstem reservoir system and a review of climate change literature. The FEIS can be downloaded at www.rrvwsp.com. No decision will be made on the proposed action and alternatives until at least 30 days after release of the FEIS. After the minimum 30-day waiting period, the Secretary of the Interior will issue a Record of Decision which will state the alternative selected for implementation and discuss factors leading to the decision. For additional information, or to request a hardcopy, please contact Patience Hurley, Bureau of Reclamation, Public Involvement Specialist, at 701.221.1204 or phurley@gp.usbr.gov, or Merri Mooridian, Communications Director, Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, 1-800-532-0074, merrim@daktel.com.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Dakotas Area Office

Official Red River Valley Water Supply Project Homepage