News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Public Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project

Media Contact: Patience Mosbrucker, 701-221-1204

For Release: May 22, 2020

BISMARCK, N.D. - The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public comment on Reclamation’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS) Project.

“This evaluation of a water supply for Eastern North Dakota examines the use of existing Garrison Diversion Unit facilities to meet contemporary needs in the State,” said Area Manager Arden Freitag. “This project will evaluate a bulk water supply to deliver an alternate water supply to the State of North Dakota’s Red River Valley Water Supply Project.”

Reclamation has issued a Federal Register Notice formally announcing and seeking public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the ENDAWS Project.

“The public comment period is an important step to provide to those interested or affected by the proposed action and to gather input regarding issues or concerns,” said Freitag.

The proposed action includes construction of ENDAWS project features, issuance of a water repayment contract for Garrison Diversion Unit facilities, and issuance of permits to construct and maintain ENDAWS facilities on Reclamation rights-of-way.

A public meeting will be held on June 18, 2020 in Bismarck, North Dakota, at the Ramkota Hotel, 800 South 3rd Street, from 7 pm to 8 pm. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing measures may need to be implemented for the meeting. In the event that a public meeting cannot take place, due to the ongoing pandemic, information will be provided to the public instructing them on how to access a virtual meeting through a virtual meeting room.

Comments may be submitted by mail, e-mail, or FAX to:

Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project Bureau of Reclamation, Dakotas Area Office 304 East Broadway Ave Bismarck, North Dakota 58501

Email: ENDAWS.EIS@usbr.gov FAX: 701.250.4590

Comments should be received by close of business on July 6, 2020. The Federal Register Notice regarding this proposed action is available for download at www.usbr.gov/gp/dkao/nepa/endaws/index.html

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.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.