Surprise decision by Sec. of Interior Oscar Chapman who authorized the Trinity Diversion Project ( est. cost = $207M) by making a finding of feasibility under Section 9A of the Reclamation Act. Projects so authorized by the Sec. of Int. are eligible for appropriation without the usual authorization by Congress itself. Work can't begin until Congress appropriates the money. Rep. Claire Engle has been advocating the project. He introduced a bill at the opening of the new Congress. The Humboldt B.O.S. were amazed at Chapman's decision & asked him to reconsider. They also sent a letter to DWR asking them what their comments were to the BOR concerning the recent report of the BOR on the Trinity Diversion sent to them for comment. The Humboldt BOS also entered a formal protest to withdrawal of land for the Trinity Diversion when it was first presented by the BOR. Then, quite recently the Dept. of Interior issued an order whereby withdrawal of land for the Trinity Diversion of the CV Project would proceed.