News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeking Public Comments on Proposed Reallocaton of Non-Indian Agricultural Water within the Central Arizona Project System

Media Contact: Rose Davis, 702-293=8421, jdavis@usbr.gov
Kimberly Musser, 623-773-6216, kmusser@usbr.gov

For Release: January 05, 2016

Phoenix, Ariz. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Phoenix Area Office (Reclamation) announced today that it is continuing to seek public comments on the proposed reallocation of non-Indian agricultural water within the Central Arizona Project system. In October 2015, Reclamation, in cooperation with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, began preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed reallocation of 46,629 acres of non-Indian agricultural water for use by municipal and industrial users in the Phoenix, Pinal, and Tucson Active Management Areas (AMAs).

The reallocation of the subject water would be used by the AMA’s to augment their existing water supplies, which are located within the Central Arizona Project service area, and to help these users meet their targets for reducing groundwater overdraft, while still developing their economies. The proposed reallocation is based on a prior recommendation provided by the ADWR.

The Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004 outlines that this water can be reallocated to municipal and industrial users upon approval by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary). The EA is being prepared to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. The EA will help Reclamation and the Secretary understand the effects the proposed reallocations will have on the environment and natural resources, and will inform the Secretary’s decision on whether to approve the proposed reallocations based on ADWR’s recommendation.

Reclamation is currently seeking public input regarding the potential impacts of the proposed action, the alternatives that should be considered, and other concerns and issues that should be addressed in the EA.

Anyone desiring to submit comments on the proposed recommendations should send them by postal mail to Reclamation’s Phoenix Area Office, 6150 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale, AZ 85306, Attn: PXAO-1500, or via facsimile to (623) 773-6486 by January 18, 2016. Submitted comments on the proposed recommendations are available for public review at any time. A public scoping newsletter with additional information on this proposed action is available on the Phoenix Area Office website at: www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix.

# # #

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.