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<DIV class=nrregion>Mid-Pacific Region<BR>Sacramento, Calif. </DIV>
<DIV class=nrcontact>
<DIV class=mediacontact>Media Contact:</DIV>
<DIV class=primarycontact>Jeffrey McCracken<BR>(916) 978-5100</DIV>
<DIV class=primarycontact><BR></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=nrdate>
<P>Released On: May 16, 2008</P></DIV>
<DIV class=nrheadline>Reclamation and California DWR Requesting Formal
Consultation with USFWS and NMFS on the Continued Long-Term Operation of the CVP
and SWP; Biological Assessment is Released</DIV>
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<P>A key point has been reached in the process to address current and future
operations of the State Water Project (SWP) and the Central Valley Project (CVP)
to divert, store, and convey CVP and SWP water consistent with applicable laws
and contractual obligations. </P>
<P>The Federal Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water
Resources (DWR) are requesting consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on species
listed under the Endangered Species Act. These species consist of the
delta smelt, winter-run and spring run Chinook salmon, coho salmon, green
sturgeon, steelhead, and killer whales. With the formal request,
Reclamation and DWR provided a Biological Assessment, which is intended to
provide a thorough analysis of the continued long-term operations of the two
projects and the effects of the projects' operations on listed species and
designated Critical Habitat.</P>
<P>The document can be viewed on Reclamation's website at <A
href="http://www.usbr.gov/mp/">http://www.usbr.gov/mp/</A>. If you encounter
problems accessing the Biological Assessment online, please contact Ms. Lynnette
Wirth at 916-978-5102 or <A
href="mailto:lwirth@mp.usbr.gov">lwirth@mp.usbr.gov</A>.</P>
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<DIV class=nrend># # #</DIV>
<DIV class=nrtagline>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. Visit our
website at <A href="http://www.usbr.gov/">www.usbr.gov</A>. </DIV>
<DIV class=nrlinks>
<DIV class=nrlinkheader>Relevant Links: </DIV>
<P><A href="http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/ocapBA_051608.html"
target=_blank>Document Source</A></P></DIV><!-- InstanceEndEditable -->
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