BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation has issued the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed transfer of title for approximately 80.5 miles of irrigation drains and certain federal facilities to the Pioneer Irrigation District and the City of Caldwell in Canyon County.
Based on the analysis in the EA, the proposed action was selected. 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 of the federal (public) costs have been repaid. These facilities have not been deemed facilities of national importance and, therefore, can be efficiently and effectively managed by non-federal entities.
The final EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available online at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/pid/. For more information or to request a copy of the final EA and FONSI, contact Ms. Rochelle Ochoa, natural resource specialist at 208-383-2277 or Mr. John Petrovsky, activity coordinator at 208-383-2224.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
