The BLM Ely Field Office is scheduled to meet with the public from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, at the Baker School gymnasium, 120 Main Street, in Baker, to receive input on the Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties Groundwater Development Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The field office in August 2004 received a Rights-of-Way application from Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). SNWA wants to develop groundwater resources in Clark, Lincoln and White Pine counties and export the water to meet anticipated future water needs in the Las Vegas Valley. The project would include groundwater production wells, water pipelines capable of transporting 125,000 to 200,000 acre feet of water each year, pumping stations, water treatment, power and other facilities.

The BLM is required to complete the EIS before SNWA can proceed with the project. The Draft EIS is scheduled to be made available to the public in summer 2006. The final EIS is expected to be completed in mid-2007. The BLM is encouraging public participation.