[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 190 (Wednesday, October 1, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 51486]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25987]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation


Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project Final Programmatic Environmental 
Impact Statement

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of the final programmatic environmental 
impact statement; INT-FES 97-30, Filed September 26, 1997.

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SUMMARY: The Gila River Indian Community (Community) and the Bureau of 
Reclamation (Reclamation) have prepared a Final Programmatic 
Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) on the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation 
Project (Project) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended, and other applicable environmental laws. The 
purpose of the final PEIS is to assist in decision making by the 
Commissioner of Reclamation regarding the approval of construction-
related expenditures of funds authorized for the Central Arizona 
Project (CAP) to implement portions of the Project within the 
constraints of law. Any project that involves a major Federal action, 
such as Federal funding, permitting or approval, must comply with NEPA.
    This final PEIS describes four alternatives for rehabilitation of 
66,000 acres and new development of 80,330 acres of irrigated 
agricultural lands. The proposed action is to rehabilitate San Carlos 
Indian Irrigation Project (SCIIP) facilities and build new facilities 
both on and off the Reservation. Ultimate project size would be 146,330 
acres, which will enable the Gila River Indian Community to better 
utilize water supplies and provide additional economic employment 
opportunities. A No Federal Action alternative is also described.
    The Community is the Project proponent and is responsible for the 
preparation of this final PEIS through a Self-Governance Agreement with 
Reclamation. Reclamation is responsible for disbursing CAP-related 
Federal funds and functions as the lead Federal agency for the Project. 
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a cooperating agency in this 
process because of its trust responsibility and administration of 
SCIIP.

ADDRESSES: Single copies of the final PEIS may be obtained on request. 
Requests for copies should be addressed to: Mr. Bruce D. Ellis (PXAO-
1500), Bureau of Reclamation, PO Box 9980, Phoenix, AZ 85068. Copies 
may also be requested by telephone at (602) 395-5683.
    Copies of the final PEIS are available for inspection at the 
address above and also at the following locations:

Office of the Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Room 7612, 849 C 
Street, NW, Washington DC 20240
Reclamation Service Center, Bureau of Reclamation, Library, Room 167, 
Building 67, Denver Federal Center, Denver CO 80225
Lower Colorado Region, Bureau of Reclamation, Library, Room 105, Mead 
Building, 3 Miles South on Buchanan Boulevard, Boulder City NV 89005.

Libraries

Arizona Department of Library Archives and Public Records, Phoenix AZ
Phoenix Public Library, Phoenix AZ
Chandler Public Library, Chandler AZ
Florence Public Library, Florence AZ
Coolidge Public Library, Coolidge AZ
Arizona Collection, Hayden Library, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
University of Arizona, Main Library, Tucson AZ
Ms. Rebecca Burke, Government Document Service, Arizona State 
University, Tempe AZ.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce D. Ellis (PXAO-1500), Bureau 
of Reclamation, PO Box 9980, Phoenix, AZ 85068; telephone: (602) 395-
5685.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The recommended plan proposes construction 
of a common-use irrigation system to deliver water to 146,330 acres 
within the Gila River Indian Reservation (Reservation) and to 
rehabilitate SCIIP Joint Works facilities. The recommended plan, known 
as the Project, represents a component of the Community's Master Plan 
for Land and Water Use (Franzoy Corey, 1985). The Master Plan 
identifies the Community's major goals and preferences for improving 
and developing Reservation land and water resources.
    The Project would support the continued role of agriculture as a 
primary element of the Community's traditional economy and way of life. 
The Project would enhance economic growth, development and self-
sufficiency of the Community. The Project has the potential to 
significantly improve the standard of living for Community members. No 
significant changes have been made to the recommended plan as presented 
in the draft PEIS (DEIS 96-46).
    The final PEIS presents the recommended plan, alternatives, and the 
no Federal action alternative. The document describes the existing 
environment and analyzes, at a programmatic level, the environmental 
consequences of project construction. The final PEIS also includes 
responses to comments received during the 60-day public review and 
hearing process on the draft statement.

    Dated: September 26, 1997.
V. LeGrand Neilson,
Assistant Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 97-25987 Filed 9-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-P