By Kimberly Bolander, Record Searchlight November 2, 2005

The public is invited to make comments and suggest alternatives on a proposal to increase Shasta Dam's reservoir at meetings held tonight in Dunsmuir and Thursday in Redding and Red Bluff.

To increase the state's water supply and enhance anadromous fish survival, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is considering raising the 602-foot-high dam by 6.5 feet or 18.5 feet.

The bureau has conducted many informational meetings on the idea, which has been studied for two decades and seen opposition in the north state. Now the agency is gathering public input in seven cities in preparation for compiling its Environmental Impact Statement, said David Jones, public affairs specialist for the bureau's Mid-Pacific Region.

Meanwhile, written comments must be submitted by Nov. 18.

Meetings will be conducted to gather public suggestions and alternatives to enlarging Shasta Dam's reservoir:

Today from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Dunsmuir Community Building, 4835 Dunsmuir Ave.

Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Redding Veterans Hall, 1605 Yuba St.

Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St.

Written comments, which must be received by Nov. 18, can be mailed to Louis Moore, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825.

To learn more, go online at www.usbr.gov/mp/slwri. See "Programs & Activities," then "Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation" and "Documents."