News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Kern-Tulare Water District and Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District

Media Contact: Louis Moore, 916-978-5100, wmoore@usbr.gov

For Release: January 24, 2014

FRESNO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review the Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for issuance of Warren Act Contracts to Kern-Tulare Water District and Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District.

Reclamation proposes the storage, conveyance, and/or diversion of up to 30,000 acre-feet annually of Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District’s non-Central Valley Project water in the Friant-Kern Canal when excess capacity exists. The LSID’s non-CVP water originates in the Kaweah River.

Reclamation is also proposing the storage, conveyance, and/or diversion of up to 30,000 acre-feet annually of Kern-Tulare Water District’s non-CVP water in the FKC when excess capacity exists, per the terms of KTWD’s Friant Division repayment contract. The KTWD’s non-CVP supplies include Kern River and State Water Project water, which are tested at specific points to confirm that they meet Reclamation’s water quality requirements prior to entering the canal. 

The Draft EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=16261. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Comments are due by close of business Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Please email comments to Ben Lawrence, Bureau of Reclamation at blawrence@usbr.gov. Written comments may also be mailed to Ben Lawrence, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or faxed to 559-487-5397. 

For additional information or to request a copy of the Draft EA and or FONSI, please contact Lawrence at 559-487-5039 (TTY 800-735-2929). Copies of the Draft EA and FONSI may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Fresno office at the above address.

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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.