News Release Archive

Reclamation invites public input on efforts to increase use of surface water for Arvin-Edison Water Storage District

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: December 21, 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has announced the award of federal funds to Arvin-Edison Water Storage District from the Agricultural Water-Energy Conservation and Efficiency Grant program.

Reclamation provides cost-share funding on a competitive basis for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy and protect endangered species or facilitate water markets. Reclamation provided the district a grant for $1,000,000 of a total project cost of $2,594,277.

The funds will be used to implement three water conservation projects: The Pilot or Sycamore in-lieu Project, the Sycamore Check Improvement Project, and the Natural Resources Conservation Services Promotion Project. Together, these projects will maximize the use of surface water while decreasing groundwater extractions, conserve water by improved water management, and increase energy efficiency from reduced reliance on pumped groundwater and implementation of on-farm conservation practices.

Reclamation prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to disclose potential environmental effects and solicit public comment on the proposed project which must be completed before construction can begin. Reclamation prepared the EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and it may be viewed at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=30801.

Written comments may be sent to Doug Kleinsmith, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Comments are due by close of business Jan. 5, 2018. You can also email comments to dkleinsmith@usbr.gov.

The document may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional Office at the above address. For additional information or to receive a copy of the document, please contact Kleinsmith at 916-978-5034 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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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.