These three elements form the foundation that will enable us to accomplish the 1998 Key Issues. However, this report reflects a work in progress with additional issue resolution, continued negotiations, and public involvement meetings required in 1999. The Programmatic EIS is scheduled to be completed in September 1999 with a Record of Decision in November 1999. During this year Reclamation plans to negotiate and execute 114 long-term water service renewal contracts. The total CVP water quantities made available under these contracts is approximately 5.6 million acre-feet of water.
Reclamation anticipates a tiered negotiation process.
The first tier is to develop a CVP-wide standard form of contract. The second tier is to modify the standard form of CVP-wide contract for CVP Division unique issues. The last tier is to meet with each individual CVP water service contractor and modify the CVP Division level contract for unique district issues. Reclamation has assigned various technical teams in support of the long-term contract renewal process. These teams will manage such technical issues as water demand analyses, financial issues, environmental issues, and public involvement.