The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed long-term renewal of Central Valley Project settlement contracts between Reclamation and up to 145 Sacramento River Settlement Contractors. The proposed contract renewals allow for the continued diversion of up to approximately 1.8 million acre-feet of Base Supply water per year and approximately 380,000 acre-feet of Project Water per year for agricultural and municipal and industrial uses for an additional 40 years.

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October, 27, 2004, at the Monday Afternoon Club, 120 North Lassen Street, Willows, CA, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Draft EIS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and was made available for a 45-day public review and comment period on October 8, 2004. To access the draft document online, go to www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/3404c/index.html, click on Draft EISs, and scroll to Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Renewal of Sacramento River Settlement Contracts. The associated long-term contracts began a separate 60-day public review on July 9, 2004.

The Draft EIS can also be reviewed at the following Reclamation offices: Northern California Area Office, 16349 Shasta Dam Boulevard, Shasta Lake, CA; Red Bluff Division Office, 22500 Altube Road, Red Bluff, CA; Willows Office, 1140 West Wood Street, Willows, CA; and Regional Office, Public Affairs Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA.

Written comments must be received by close of business on Monday, November 15, 2004, and should be sent to: Mr. Buford Holt, Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office, 16349 Shasta Dam Boulevard, Shasta Lake, CA 96019. Comments may also be faxed to Mr. Holt at 530-275-2441 or e-mailed to bholt@mp.usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a copy of the draft document, contact Mr. Holt at 530-276-2047, TDD 530-275-8991.