Current Activities

In December 2021, Reclamation, in partnership with the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District and the Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association (collectively SRP), as the non-federal cost-share partner and project sponsor, completed the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Study appraisal report (VRSMS). The objective of the VRSMS was to examine potential alternatives to resolve the issue of lost storage capacity due to sediment accumulation in the Salt River Federal Reclamation Project’s reservoir system on the Verde River in Arizona, which consists of Bartlett and Horseshoe Dams and Reservoirs. The VRSMS also explored opportunities to create additional benefits for each alternative analyzed. After consideration of a wide variety of options, the appraisal report recommended that a feasibility study be carried out to determine the technical, environmental, economic, and financial feasibility of implementing one of the Bartlett Dam modification alternatives analyzed in the VRSMS.

Authorization for the feasibility study was provided in 2021 in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (Nov. 15, 2021), Section 40902(a)(1)(B)(i). The VRSMP Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study) will investigate and analyze: (a) the design of the two Bartlett Dam modification alternatives identified as viable for feasibility-level analysis in the VRSMS; (b) at least one non-structural sediment and water management alternative; (c) a no action alternative; and (d) other alternatives developed through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

Subsequent to completing the appraisal study, Reclamation, in coordination with the SRP as the lead non-federal cost-share partner under the VRSMP, identified the problems, needs, and opportunities for the Feasibility Study, established the purpose and need under the EIS, and set the planning objectives. With the results of the VRSMS and input from a Value Planning Study conducted in the Fall of 2022, Reclamation, in coordination with SRP, is developing an initial list of alternatives to address the problems, needs, and opportunities under the Feasibility Study and the purpose and need for the EIS. The development of these alternatives includes the preparation of technical specifications, analysis, and supporting studies. Besides the design for each alternative, this effort includes an ongoing inventory of existing resources and forecasts for future conditions.   

Once the initial alternatives are defined, Reclamation will begin the NEPA process by publishing a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register. The NOI will set a 30-day public comment period and announce the dates for the public scoping meetings. Public comments are encouraged to help identify significant issues, effects, or other alternatives to be addressed in the EIS. The NOI is anticipated to be released in Spring 2025.

Current and Future Opportunities for Engagement

• Government-to-Government coordination and/or consultation with Tribes

• Stakeholder Meetings

• NEPA Process

  • NOI/Public Scoping Period

  • Draft EIS Public Comment Period

Calendar

• December 11, 2024 – Stakeholder Meeting

• TBD, 2025 – EIS Notice of Intent Published in the Federal Register

• TBD, 2025 – Public Scoping Period

For further information

For more information on the VRSMS, VRSMP Feasibility Report and EIS, please visit Reclamation’s project website, or email VRSMP@usbr.gov. If you would like to receive email notifications and updates on the VRSMP, please email VRSMP@usbr.gov with subject line "Add me to Email List."

Individuals who are deaf, blind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services to contact the Reclamation’s project manager or National Environmental Policy Act lead during normal business hours or to leave a message or question after hours. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.

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