Bob Walsh, (702) 591-0029

Secretary Norton to Sign Agreement for Multi-Species Conservation Program on Lower Colorado River

WASHINGTON--On Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton will sign an agreement with representatives of Arizona, Nevada and California that will result in completion of a long-term, comprehensive initiative to recover endangered species and protect wildlife habitat on the Colorado River from Lake Mead to the U.S.-Mexico border.

The $600 million, 50-year Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program will protect the environment while ensuring the certainty of continued water and power operations on the river.

Other federal, state and local officials also will participate, as will representatives of entities represented on the 35-member Steering Committee that led the development of the program. The partnership includes the Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, the three basin states, tribes, water and power contractors and other stakeholders involved in lower Colorado River management.

The signing will take place at the offices of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, at 500 North Third Street, in Phoenix, Ariz., near the downtown area. Following the signing ceremony, Secretary Norton and state representatives will be available to discuss the development of the MSCP and its implications for future management and use of the lower Colorado River.