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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="http://www.usbr.gov/mp/mp150/envdocs/trinity_seis/index.html">http://www.usbr.gov/mp/mp150/envdocs/trinity_seis/index.html</A></FONT></DIV>
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<H1 class=style1 align=right>Mid-Pacific Region <BR>Sacramento, California
</H1>
<P class=style1 align=right>MP-04-031 <BR>Jeffrey S. McCracken <BR><SPAN
class=style1>916-978-5100<BR><BR></SPAN></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD>
<P><STRONG>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE </STRONG>: April 26, 2004 <BR>Federal
Register Notice Posted on April 23, 2004 <BR><BR></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD>
<P align=center><STRONG>RECLAMATION AND PARTNER AGENCIES RELEASE
<BR></STRONG><STRONG>DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FOR TRINITY RIVER
<BR></STRONG><STRONG>FISHERY RESTORATION PROGRAM
<BR><BR></STRONG></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD>
<P>Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hoopa Valley Tribe and
Trinity County have made available for public review and comment the Draft
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report
(Draft SEIS/EIR) for the Trinity River Fishery Restoration Program
(Program). </P>
<P>A final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Program was issued
in November 2000, and a Record of Decision (ROD) executed on December 19,
2000. Central Valley water and power interests filed suit in U. S.
District Court seeking to enjoin the ROD's implementation. On March 22,
2001, the court issued a Memorandum Decision and Order preliminarily
enjoining the Federal defendants from implementing certain flow related
aspects of the ROD. The court found that the effects of reasonable and
prudent measures in the two biological opinions, as well as the effects on
power in light of the California energy crisis, were not adequately
analyzed in the EIS. This Draft SEIS/EIR addresses the court's concerns
and updates alternatives. </P>
<P>The purpose for the Program as set forth in the original EIS/EIR is to
restore and maintain the natural production of anadromous fish on the
Trinity River mainstem downstream of Lewiston Dam. The revised purpose
discussed in the Draft SEIS/EIR is to restore and maintain the natural
production of anadromous fish in the Trinity River basin downstream of
Lewiston Dam and to meet the United States' tribal trust obligations.
Secondary consideration is given to: (a) meeting the Trinity Basin fishery
and wildlife restoration goals of the Act of October 24, 1984, Public Law
98-541, and (b) achieving a reasonable balance among competing demands for
use of Central Valley Project water, including the requirements of fish
and wildlife, agricultural, municipal and industrial, and power
contractors. </P>
<P>Submit written comments on the Draft SEIS/EIR by June 22, 2004, to
Russell Smith at Reclamation's Northern California Area Office at: Bureau
of Reclamation, P.O. Box 723, Shasta, CA 96087, by fax at 530-275-2441, or
via e-mail to: <A href="mailto:rpsmith@mp.usbr.gov">rpsmith@mp.usbr.gov
</A>. </P>
<P>Two public hearings have been scheduled to receive oral or written
comments in: </P>
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 width=566 align=center border=0>
<TBODY>
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<TH scope=col width=256><STRONG>Redding, CA</STRONG></TH>
<TH scope=col width=284><STRONG>Hoopa, CA </STRONG></TH></TR>
<TR>
<TH scope=col>
<DIV align=left>Tuesday, June 1, 2004, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m</DIV></TH>
<TH scope=col>
<DIV align=left>Thursday, June 3, 2004, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.</DIV></TH></TR>
<TR>
<TH scope=col>
<DIV align=left>Holiday Inn, 1900 Hilltop Drive</DIV></TH>
<TH scope=col>
<DIV align=left>Hoopa Fire Department, Highway 96
</DIV></TH></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P>Copies of the Draft SEIS/EIR (but not the original EIS/EIR) may be
requested from Mr. Smith at the above address, by calling 530-275-1554
(TDD 700-450-6000), or viewed on Reclamation's website at: <A
href="http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ncao">www.usbr.gov/mp/ncao </A>(click on
Projects/Activities/Documents, then on Trinity River - Restoration
Program). </P>
<P align=center>### </P>
<P>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. </P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><FONT face=arial size=-2>
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