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<DIV class=nrregion>Mid-Pacific Region<BR>Sacramento, Calif. </DIV>
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<DIV class=mediacontact>Media Contact:</DIV>
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<P>Released On: December 29, 2008</P></DIV>
<DIV class=nrheadline>Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Release Draft CPAR Report for Public Review and Comment</DIV>
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alt="Non-interactive Logos for Reclamation and Fish and Wildlife Service" src=""
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<P>Media Contacts: Reclamation - Lynnette Wirth, 916-978-5100, <A
href="">lwirth@mp.usbr.gov</A> <BR>U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Scott
Flaherty, 916-978-6156, <A href="">scott_flaherty@fws.gov</A> </P>
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<P>The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)
have released the Draft Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Program
Activity Review (CPAR) report for public review and comment.</P>
<P>At the direction of the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for
Water and Science (ASWS) in January 2006, Reclamation, in coordination with the
Service, initiated the CPAR process to determine performance goals and funding
reduction criteria for the fish and wildlife provisions of CVPIA.
Development of the report was prompted in part by stakeholder concerns about
CVPIA Section 3407(d)(2), which describes a mechanism by which the Secretary of
the Interior could reduce the Restoration Fund contributions from water and
power contractors. A Working Group of stakeholders, tribal
representatives, and other interested parties and agencies provided information
for Reclamation and the Service and participated in developing the report.
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<P>The draft CPAR Report is now available for review and comment by the Working
Group and other interested parties. Following this review, the report will
be submitted for final policy review to the ASWS, the Commissioner of
Reclamation, and the Director of the Service. Reclamation and the Service
anticipate releasing the final CPAR report in spring or early summer 2009.</P>
<P>The preliminary recommended decision of the report is that there is
insufficient basis at this time to justify a reduction in Restoration Funds
collection. The draft report is available at <A
href="">http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/docs_reports/index.html</A></P>
<P>Written comments are due by close of business Friday<STRONG>,
</STRONG>February 27, 2009, to the Bureau of Reclamation, Division of Resources
Management (MP-400), Attention: CPAR, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento CA
95825, or by e-mail to <A href="">mheaton@mp.usbr.gov</A>. For
additional information, please contact Mr. Mike Heaton at 916-978-5556 (TDD
916-978-5608).</P>
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<P>The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the
continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted
partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence,
stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and
commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people
who make it happen, visit <A href="">www.fws.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="">www.usbr.gov</A>. </DIV>
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<DIV class=nrlinkheader>Relevant Links: </DIV>
<P><A href="" target=_blank>Draft CPAR Report
</A></P></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>