Wednesday, Aug 17 2011 4:58PM
In addition to California, the DOI is working on improving water access to rural communities in Colorado.
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the U.S. Department of Commerce and the California Natural Resources Agency announced recently progress is being made in completing environmental-impact analysis for potential water projects as part of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.
California Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird said the work among the agencies is aimed to ensure both the state's ecosystem and residents are unaffected by any significant plans that would change the state's water supply.
DOI Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes said the agencies are keeping in mind all potential effects the plans, which intend to locate new water resources for state residents, could have.
"California's complex water problems require science-based solutions developed as part of a close partnership between the federal and state government, as well as all key stakeholders," said Hayes. "We share the state's urgency in moving forward with the BDCP as quickly as possible to address the all-important goals of a healthy Bay Delta ecosystem and a reliable water supply for California."
The DOI's Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor also announced recently the agency conducted appraisal reports to find new water sources in four states for rural communities, including Montana and Colorado.