BOISE, Idaho - Today, the Trump Administration’s Bureau of Reclamation transmitted the final Boise River Basin Feasibility Report.
The Secretary of the Interior determined the recommended plan, to raise the dam crest of Anderson Ranch Dam six feet for an additional 29,000 acre-feet of storage capacity, met the requirements of Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Congress was notified today of the Secretary’s determination by transmittal of the report.
Following authorization by Congress, Reclamation will initiate and complete, in coordination with the Idaho Water Resource Board and our stakeholders, the required post-authorization activities.
“The Secretary’s determination of feasibility is an important step towards addressing the water supply needs of the Treasure Valley along with providing benefits for fish and wildlife," said Snake River Area Manager Lanie Paquin. “We are on track to meet the next important milestone-finalizing the companion environmental impact statement."
The report describes how additional water storage capacity could help offset changes in precipitation patterns and enable storage of more runoff in high water years, enhancing long-term water supply for critical irrigation, domestic, industrial and municipal needs while improving the ability to meet environmental needs and generate power.
The public comment period for the draft EIS concluded on Sept. 14, 2020. For more information on the draft EIS or to obtain the final Boise River Basin Feasibility Report, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/studies/boisefeasibility/index.html
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
