The draft environmental assessment for the Town of Pagosa Springs’ Pagosa Gateway Project is now available through the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI).
The comment period on the draft assessment is open until May 16.
According to a letter from Ed Warner, area manager for the Western Colorado Area Office of the DOI, “A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act. The EA evaluates the Proposed Action and a No Action Alternative. Under the Proposed Action Alternative, Reclamation would provide funding via a grant through their WaterSMART Program to the Town of Pagosa Springs to implement measures to improve the ecological values along 1.7 miles of the San Juan River, beginning on the east side of the Town of Pagosa Springs and extending northeast towards Wolf Creek Pass.”
It adds the project would include the creation of low-flow channels, promote bank stabilization, implement riparian vegetation enhancements, improve fish passage and remove hazardous streambank materials.
The draft assessment is available at https://www.usbr.gov/uc/DocLibrary/ea.html, or a paper copy is available upon request, according to the letter.
The letter states that comments may be emailed to jward@usbr.gov or mailed to: Ed Warner, area manager, Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office, 445 West Gunnison Ave., Suite 221, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
Any questions about the draft assessment should be directed to Jenny Ward at (970) 248-0651.
For the hearing impaired, call the Federal Relay System at (800) 877-8339 (TTY).
randi@pagosasun.com
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