The public meetings that were held in Leavenworth on the proposed Leavenworth National Fish Hatcher Water Deliver System were very well attended. Over 150 people showed up at both the afternoon and evening sessions. A variety of Federal and State agencies made presentations on their construction plans and fielded questions from the audience. Questions came from several fish-related groups, local government officials and local citizens. Although the planning for the new water delivery system began in 1999, a major driver to get the project underway and complete soon is that the majority of the funding comes from government stimulus monies. There are deadlines for when the money must be used and the agencies involved in the project are anxious to acquire this funding, as future allotments for this kind work could be extended for many years or just not available. The project has proceeded through several layers of inspection by a number of government agencies already. The Environmental Assessment, however, was not available at the meeting. This assessment should be available for public review soon, maybe prior to Christmas. When the Environmental Assessment is complete, there will be a public review and comment period of 45 days, before the project can proceed further. The assessment can be acquired on-line at www. usbr.gov.