For Immediate Release: October 29, 2003
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220 or Diane Gomez (760) 251-4852
CA-CDD-04-06

Public Invited to Comment on Desert Southwest Transmission Line Project

The draft environmental impact statement/environmental impact report (EIS/EIR) for the Imperial Irrigation District's (IID) Desert Southwest Transmission Line Project is now available for public review and comment.

The IID is proposing to construct a 230 or 500 kilovolt (kV) electrical transmission line to span about 118 miles parallel and adjacent to Interstate Highway 10 between North Palm Springs and Blythe, Calif. Four alternatives to the proposed project are analyzed in the joint draft EIS/EIR, prepared by BLM and IID. The draft is available online at www.ca.blm.gov/palmsprings/

These alternatives are consistent with the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan of 1980 with the exception of one alternative (B). This alternative, partially outside of designated utility corridors under the CDCA Plan, would require an amendment to the plan, if selected.

The public is invited to submit comments on the draft through Jan. 8, 2004. Written comments must be addressed to James G. Kenna, Field Manager; BLM, Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, P.O. Box 581260, North Palm Springs, CA 92258. Comments can also be accepted via the Internet to BLM at dgomez@ca.blm.gov. Please include in the subject line, "Draft EIS/EIR, Desert Southwest Transmission Line Project,'' and a name and return address in the message. If you do not receive a confirmation that the message has been received, contact Diane Gomez at (760) 251-4852. Comments can also be hand-delivered to BLM at the Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, 690 W. Garnet Avenue, North Palm Springs, CA 92258.

Oral comments will be accepted at any of three public meetings to be held during the month of November 2003 in El Centro, Blythe, and North Palm Springs, Calif. Notices will be published in the local media at least 15 days prior to the scheduled meetings.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office
22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos
Moreno Valley, California 92553