For Release: August 12, 2002 CA-610-02-73
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov

BLM Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Power Line Project
Public Meetings Scheduled

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two informal public meetings to gather comments regarding the proposed California Desert Southwest Transmission Line Project. The power line would be constructed in open desert areas east of Palm Springs and supply additional electricity to the Coachella and
Imperial Valleys.

The meetings will be held Wednesday, August 14, from 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Blythe City Council Multipurpose Room, 235 North Broadway, Blythe, California, and Thursday, August 15, from 7 p.m. to 9:00p.m. at the Imperial Irrigation District Office, 81-600 Avenue 58, La Quinta, California.

The project is proposed by the Imperial Irrigation District, a community owned utility with headquarters in Imperial, California. The proposed 230 or 500 kilovolt power line would be constructed parallel to Interstate Highway 10 from Devers substation, near North Palm Springs, California to a new substation located west of
Blythe, California. The entire transmission line would be within the county of Riverside.

"We recognize the need for improving the electrical power network of facilities in southern California," said Jim Kenna, BLM Palm Springs-South Coast field manager. "BLM will work to ensure that a careful and thorough environmental analysis of this project is completed."

BLM has developed a preliminary list of issues. Kenna is encouraging the public to review the list and identify any additional issues or concerns that should be analyzed. Issues already identified include potential impacts to the desert tortoise, Coachella Valley fringed toed lizard, Coachella Valley milkvetch, as well as to
several BLM administered areas including the Coachella Valley Preserve, Alligator Rock Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), and Camp Young of the WWII Desert Training Center, California-Arizona Maneuver Area.

Written comments will be accepted through Friday, August 30, 2002, in order to be included in the draft environmental analysis. Written comments should be addressed to the Bureau of Land Management, Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, 690 West Garnet Ave, P.O. Box 581260, North Palm Springs, California
92258-1260.

"The public will have additional opportunity to comment on this proposed project," added Kenna. "BLM will schedule meetings when the draft environmental impact statement is released for public review."

For more information/maps regarding the proposed BN-BS Transmission Line Project contact John Kalish at (760) 251-4849.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office - 6221 Box Springs Blvd, Riverside, California - (909) 697-5220