DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: The Modesto Irrigation District (MID) plans to reconductor the 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the Rosemore Substation and the Finney Substation, west of the City of Modesto. The project would consist of replacing the conductors along the Rosemore-Finney Line with new larger, high-ampacity conductors capable of carrying larger loads at the same voltage level. Along the majority of the project MID will replace the conductors along the existing route and may replace some poles. MID proposes to construct 2.7 miles of new transmission line along MID Lateral Number 4, approximately 1,000 feet to the south of the current alignment along Maze Boulevard (Highway 132). All construction activities would occur within a 20-foot corridor along existing or acquired easements.

The proposed project area is not located on any of the lists enumerated under Section 65962.5 of the Government Code including, that list of hazardous waste facilities, land designated as hazardous waste property, and hazardous waste disposal sites, and the information in the Hazardous Waste and Substances Statement required under subsection (f) of that section.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the MID has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the above described project, pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: MID found that the proposed project would have potentially significant impacts in the areas of aesthetics, air quality, noise, hydrology, biology, hazards and hazardous materials, and agriculture, but all impacts, with the exception of aesthetics, would be less than significant after the incorporation of the proposed mitigation measures. The impacts to aesthetics would be significant and unavoidable, even with the application of project-specific mitigation measures.

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The 45-day public review period for the DEIR will commence on July 7, 2009 and continue through August 21, 2009. Written comments from public agencies and interested individuals on the DEIR must be received by MID within the public review period. Copies of the DEIR are available for review at MID’s administrative building located at 1231 Eleventh Street, Modesto, CA 95354 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

PUBLIC MEETING: A public meeting to adopt the above project has been scheduled for Wednesday July 22 at 5:00 PM in the MID Multipurpose Room located at MID offices on 1231 Eleventh Street, Modesto, CA.

REVIEWING AGENCIES: MID requests you review the enclosed materials and provide any written comments related to your agency’s area of responsibility.