Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers April 24, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Boise River General Investigation Feasibility Study. The Feasibility Study will evaluate alternatives to reduce flood risk and meet current and future water supply needs in the lower Boise River watershed. To the extent feasible, the study will also seek to provide ancillary ecosystem restoration benefits, minimize impacts to species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), including bull trout, and minimize socioeconomic effects. The Feasibility Study will focus on the lower Boise River, a tributary to the Snake River, which is located in southwestern Idaho, primarily in Ada and Canyon Counties. The non-federal sponsor for this effort is the Idaho Water Resources Board. Almost 40 percent of Idaho residents live in the Boise River watershed, with one-sixth of the State's population residing in the floodplain. Communities and development along the Boise River have experienced repeated minor flooding, and flood risk management experts emphasize that a significant flood event with major flood damage will likely occur in the future. The Boise River watershed has recently experienced the most significant growth in the State and continuing to meet current and future water needs is a major concern for residents and state/local officials.