News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for Platte River Recovery Extension

Media Contact: Brock Merrill, (307) 532-1093, bemerrill@usbr.gov

For Release: December 04, 2018

BILLINGS, Montana -- The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final Environmental and Biological Assessment (EA) and signed the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, Proposed First Increment Extension. Reclamation, working with the states of Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska, water users, and environmental and conservation organizations, proposes to extend the First Increment of the basin-wide, cooperative Recovery Implementation Program by 13 years. Reclamation participates in the Program to meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act.

The purpose of this action is to continue implementing Program projects in order to accomplish the following:

• Reduce flow shortages in the Platte River aimed at conforming with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service target flows
• Continue land management activities necessary to provide habitat for target threatened and endangered species
• Continue integrated monitoring, research, and adaptive management, in order to assess the progress of the Program and inform future management decisions

The final EA and FONSI evaluates and discloses the potential impacts of the proposed 13 year extension of the Program's First Increment. The final EA and FONSI does not represent the final decision of the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Governors of the states of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, to extend the Program. The final EA and FONSI informs the Secretary that the potential impacts of the proposed extension do not warrant the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. The formal decision by the Secretary regarding whether or not to extend the Program in cooperation with the Governors will occur at a later date.

The final EA and FONSI are available for viewing at www.usbr.gov/gp/nepa/platte_river/index.html. For additional information or to receive a printed copy of the EA or Draft FONSI, please contact Brock Merrill at 307-532-1093 or bemerrill@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.