BOISE, Idaho - In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Bureau of Reclamation conducted a draft Environmental Assessment regarding the proposed transfer of title for approximately 78 miles of irrigation drains and certain federal facilities to the Pioneer Irrigation District and the City of Caldwell in Canyon County. As part of the NEPA process, Reclamation is seeking public comment on the draft assessment.
The Pioneer Irrigation District has operated and maintained certain facilities and related property interests since the early 1900s. The district has fulfilled all repayment obligations for the federally owned facilities; however, title remains with the U.S. Government. The purpose and need for the proposed title transfer is to reduce or eliminate costs associated with administering these drainage facilities, for which all federal (public) costs have been repaid. These facilities have not been deemed facilities of national importance and can be efficiently and effectively managed by non-federal entities.
Please send written comments no later than Jan. 5, 2018, to Rochelle Ochoa, natural resource specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 230 Collins Road, Boise, Idaho, 83702-4520 or by email at sra-nepa-comments@usbr.gov. You may also contact her at 208-383-2277 for additional information, or visit the website at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/pid/.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
