WSP03088

• File Number: 8221.112
• Description: Central Arizona Project
• State: AZ
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 12/23/1980
• Title: News Articles/Press Releases: 1981-1985
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: News Article/Press Release

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news release

Office, Phoenix, Arizona

October 20, 1983

Bob Walsh [phone]

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WEST SlOE ALIGNMENT TO BE PROPOSEO ACTION FOR PHASE B OF
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION'S CENTRAL ARIZONA PROJECT AQUEDUCT

^ decision to prepare a draft planning report/environmental impact
statement with a route on the west side of the Tucson Mountains as the
Bureau of Reclamation's proposed action for the final portion of the
Central Arizona Project's (CAP) Tucson Aqueduct, Phase B, was announced
today by Robert N. Broadbent, Commissioner of Reclamation.

Known as the West Side Plan, the recommended route would be a
bifurcated aqueduct with two termini. One terminus would deliver project
water to the city of Tucson's proposed water treatment plant site, and
the other would deliver water to the south boundary of the San Xavier
Indian Reservation. From here, it is anticipated water users with CAP
allocations will construct their own conveyance systems to carry the
water to where it will be used.

As presently planned, the Phase B aqueduct would consist mostly of
open canal, with six pumping plants to lift the water to its final
destinations. During the next several months, Reclamation will conduct
studies to determine the extent of open canal and pipeline in the system.

"Selection of this plan as the proposed action comes after detailed
technical studies and significant public involvement efforts," said
Broadbent. "The plan represents the consensus of local groups and entities
affected by the aqueduct."

Groups that have supported the proposed alignment include the city of
Tucson, the Southern Arizona Water Resources Association, and the Central
Arizona Water Conservation District.

Broadbent said the proposed action defers a decision on including J
storage facilities as part of the plan until after the CAP has been in
operation and the need and desirability of storage as an aqueduct feature
has been established.

The Tucson Aqueduct is the final leg of the CAP aqueduct system.
Phase A of the aqueduct will receive Colorado River water from the
Salt-Gila Aqueduct south of the town of Coolidge, Arizona, and carry it
approximately 42 miles south to the vicinity of Rillito. Phase B will
then carry the water to the end of the aqueduct system, a distance of
about 43 miles.

Delivery of CAP water to the Tucson area is scheduled to begin in 1985.

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