News Release Archive

Environmental Document Available for Renewal of Eight San Luis Unit CVP Long-Term Water Service Contracts

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: December 10, 2004

The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed renewal of long-term water service contracts for the Central Valley Project (CVP) San Luis Unit Contractors, which include the Cities of Avenal, Coalinga, and Huron; Pacheco, Panoche, San Luis, and Westlands Water Districts; and the California Department of Fish and Game. The proposed contracts are for the delivery of up to 1,399,048 acre-feet of CVP water per year. Reclamation proposes to renew municipal and industrial (M&I) water service contracts for a period of 40 years and agricultural only or agriculture and M&I water service contracts for a period of 25 years.

The Draft EIS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available for a 45-day public review and comment period. The document is available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html, click on Draft EISs and scroll to San Luis Unit Draft EIS. The draft document can also be reviewed at Reclamation's Fresno Office at the address indicated below. Sixty-day public review and comment periods have been initiated for the San Luis Unit contracts. The forms of contract are online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html, click on 2004 Forms of Contract.

Written comments on the Draft EIS must be received by close of business on Monday, January 24, 2005, and should be sent to: Mr. Joe Thompson, Bureau of Reclamation, South-Central California Area Office, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Comments may be faxed to 559-487-5397 or e-mailed to hthompson@mp.usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a copy of the draft documents, please contact Mr. Thompson at 559-487-5179, TDD 559-487-5933. If you need assistance accessing documents online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or e-mail lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.

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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:

Renewal of Eight San Luis Unit CVP Long-Term Water Service Contracts