NEPA scoping begins for Gila River diversion
The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) have initiated preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Gila River diversion project (NM Unit) proposed by the NM Central Arizona Project (CAP) Entity. During the public scoping period scheduled for June 12 – July 20, 2018, the BOR and ISC are requesting public comment on the issues that should be analyzed in the NM Unit EIS.
Flowing out of America’s first Wilderness Area, the Gila River is New Mexico’s last major undammed river. It’s home to seven threatened or endangered species and is proposed for long-term protection under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.
The proposed NM Unit is expensive, unaffordable and unfair and will harm threatened and endangered species and riparian habitat along the Gila and San Francisco rivers. The NM CAP Entity’s intention to divert in the future the full 14,000 acre-feet per year under the AWSA is speculative and unnecessary.
NO DAM DIVERSION RALLY – ALBUQUERQUE
July 2, 2018; 5pm
Attend a rally in opposition to the Gila River diversion on July 2 at 5pm at the State Bar of NM at 5121 Masthead St. NE in Albuquerque. As part of the rally, please join us to make public comment at the scoping meeting from 4pm to 7 pm.
NO DAM DIVERSION RALLY – SILVER CITY
July 9, 2018; 3pm
Attend a rally in opposition to the Gila River diversion on July 9 at 3pm outside of the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center.
PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS
Albuquerque, NM: Monday, July 2, 2018, 4-7 PM
State Bar of New Mexico, Rodey Classroom
5121 Masthead St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Chandler, AZ: Friday, July 6, 2018, 4-7 PM
Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, Acacia CD Room
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.
Chandler, AZ 85226
San Carlos, AZ: July 7, 2018, 1-4 PM
Apache Gold Casino Resort, Convention Center
777 Geronimo Springs Blvd Cutter Industrial Park
San Carlos, AZ 85550
Silver City, NM: July 9, 2018, 4-7 PM
Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center, Multipurpose Room
3031 Highway 180 East
Silver City, NM 88062
Cliff-Gila, NM: July 10, 2018, 4-7 PM
Cliff High School, Old Gymnasium
622 St Hwy 211
Cliff, NM 88028
Glenwood, NM: July 11, 2018, 4-7 PM
Glenwood Community Center and Library
14 Menges Ln
Glenwood, NM 88039
Virden, NM: July 12, 2018, 4-7 PM
Virden Community Center
110 Richmond Ave.
Virden, NM 88045
Safford, AZ: July 13, 2018, 4-7 PM
Graham County General Services Building
921 Thatcher Blvd
Safford, AZ 85546