Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects, 16849-16853 [2017-06829]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 65 / Thursday, April 6, 2017 / Notices Background Section 9 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and our implementing Federal regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR part 17 prohibit the ‘‘take’’ of fish or wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened. Take of listed fish or wildlife is defined under the Act as ‘‘to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct’’ (16 U.S.C. 1532). However, under limited circumstances, we issue permits to authorize incidental take— i.e., take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing incidental take permits for threatened and endangered species are at 50 CFR 17.32 and 17.22, respectively. The Act’s take prohibitions do not apply to federally listed plants on private lands unless such take would violate State law. In addition to meeting other criteria, an incidental take permit’s proposed actions must not jeopardize the existence of federally listed fish, wildlife, or plants. Applicant’s Proposal negligible effects on federally listed or candidate species and their habitats, and (2) minor or negligible effects on other environmental values or resources. Next Steps We will evaluate the HCP and comments we receive to determine whether the ITP application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the Act. If we determine that the application meets these requirements, we will issue ITP number TE19759C–0. We will also evaluate whether issuance of the section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP complies with section 7 of the Act by conducting an intraService section 7 consultation. We will use the results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, in our final analysis to determine whether or not to issue the ITP. If the requirements are met, we will issue the permit to the applicant. Public Comments If you wish to comment on the permit application, HCP, and associated documents, you may submit comments by any one of the methods in ADDRESSES. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comments, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Our Preliminary Determination mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES New Beginnings of Central Florida, Inc. is requesting take of approximately 3.3 acres of occupied sand skink foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to the construction of a residential apartment complex and seeks a 5-year permit. The sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) is listed in 50 CFR 17.11(h) as a threatened species. The 9.67-ac New Beginnings of Central Florida, Inc. project is located on parcel 09–22–26–080500900000, within Section 20, Township 22 South, Range 26 East, Lake County, Florida. The project includes the construction of a residential apartment complex, associated infrastructure, and landscaping. New Beginnings of Central Florida, Inc. proposes to mitigate for the take of sand skinks by purchasing 6.6 mitigation credits within the Scrub Conservation Bank. [FR Doc. 2017–06801 Filed 4–5–17; 8:45 am] We have determined that the applicant’s proposal, including the proposed mitigation measures, would have minor or negligible effects on the species covered in the HCP. Therefore, we determined that the ITP would be for a ‘‘low-effect’’ project and qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as provided by the Department of the Interior NEPA regulations (43 CFR part 46). A loweffect HCP is one involving (1) Minor or BILLING CODE 4333–15–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:51 Apr 05, 2017 Jkt 241001 Authority We provide this notice under section 10 of the Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: February 24, 2017. Jay B. Herrington, Field Supervisor, Jacksonville Field Office, Southeast Region. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs [178A2100DD/AAKC001030/ A0A501010.999900 253G] Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: 16849 Notice. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation. DATES: The irrigation assessment rates are current as of January 1, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For details about a particular BIA irrigation project or facility, please use the tables in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section to contact the regional or local office where the project or facility is located. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A Notice of Proposed Rate Adjustment was published in the Federal Register on August 5, 2016 (81 FR 51927) to propose adjustments to the irrigation assessment rates at several BIA irrigation projects. The public and interested parties were provided an opportunity to submit written comments during the 60-day period that ended October 4, 2016. SUMMARY: Did BIA defer or change any proposed rate increases? Yes. For the Flathead and Duck Valley Indian Irrigation Projects the rate increase to $33.50 and $6.30, respectively, as published in the proposed notice for the 2016 rate was not implemented. The final 2016 rate will remain at the 2015 amounts of $26.00 and $5.30. All other rates are to be implemented at the respective irrigation project as published. Did BIA receive any comments on the proposed irrigation assessment rate adjustments? No. The BIA did not receive any comments to the proposed irrigation assessment rate adjustment. Does this notice affect me? This notice affects you if you own or lease land within the assessable acreage of one of our irrigation projects or if you have a carriage agreement with one of our irrigation projects. Where can I get information on the regulatory and legal citations in this notice? You can contact the appropriate office(s) stated in the tables for the E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 16850 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 65 / Thursday, April 6, 2017 / Notices irrigation project that serves you, or you can use the Internet site for the Government Printing Office at www.gpo.gov. What authorizes you to issue this notice? Our authority to issue this notice is vested in the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) by 5 U.S.C. 301 and the Act of August 14, 1914 (38 Stat. 583; 25 U.S.C. 385). The Secretary has in turn delegated this authority to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs under Part 209, Chapter 8.1A, of the Department of the Interior’s Departmental Manual. Project name Whom can I contact for further information? The following tables are the regional and project/agency contacts for our irrigation facilities. Project/agency contacts Northwest Region Contacts Stanley Speaks, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest Regional Office, 911 NE. 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232–4169, Telephone: (503) 231–6702. Flathead Indian Irrigation Project .... Fort Hall Irrigation Project ............... Wapato Irrigation Project ................ Pete Plant, Acting Superintendent, Pete Plant, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 40, Pablo, MT 59855, Telephones: (406) 675–2700 ext. 1300 Superintendent, (406) 745–2661 ext. 2 Project Manager. David Bollinger, Irrigation Project Manager, Building #2 Bannock Ave, Fort Hall, ID 83203–0220, Telephone: (208) 238–6264 David Shaw, Superintendent, Larry Nelson, Acting Project Administrator, P.O. Box 220, Wapato, WA 98951–0220, Telephones: (509) 865–2421 Superintendent, (509) 877–3155 Acting Project Administrator. Rocky Mountain Region Contacts Darryl LaCounte, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, 2021 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101, Telephone: (406) 247–7943. Blackfeet Irrigation Project .............. Crow Irrigation Project .................... Fort Belknap Irrigation Project ........ Fort Peck Irrigation Project ............. Wind River Irrigation Project ........... Thedis Crowe, Superintendent, Greg Tatsey, Irrigation Project Manager, Box 880, Browning, MT 59417, Telephones: (406) 338–7544, Superintendent, (406) 338–7519, Irrigation Project Manager. Vianna Stewart, Superintendent, John Anevski, Acting Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 69, Crow Agency, MT 59022, Telephones: (406) 638–2672, Superintendent, (406) 247–7998, Acting Irrigation Project Manager. John St. Pierre, Superintendent, Vacant, Irrigation Project Manager, (Project operation & maintenance contracted to Tribes), R.R.1, Box 980, Harlem, MT 59526, Telephones: (406) 353–2901, Superintendent, (406) 353–8454, Irrigation Project Manager (Tribal Office). Howard Beemer, Superintendent, Huber Wright, Acting Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 637, Poplar, MT 59255, Telephones: (406) 768–5312, Superintendent, (406) 653–1752, Irrigation Project Manager. Norma Gourneau, Superintendent, John Anevski, Acting Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 158, Fort Washakie, WY 82514, Telephones: (307) 332–7810, Superintendent, (307) 247–7998, Acting Irrigation Project Manager. Southwest Region Contacts William T. Walker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southwest Regional Office, 1001 Indian School Road, Albuquerque, NM 87104, Telephone: (505) 563–3100. Pine River Irrigation Project ............ Priscilla Bancroft, Superintendent, Vickie Begay, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 315, Ignacio, CO 81137–0315, Telephones: (970) 563–4511, Superintendent, (970) 563–9484, Irrigation Project Manager. Western Region Contacts Bryan Bowker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western Regional Office, 2600 N. Central Ave., 4th Floor Mailroom, Phoenix, AZ 85004, Telephone: (602) 379–6600. Colorado River Irrigation Project .... Duck Valley Irrigation Project ......... Yuma Project, Indian Unit ............... mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES San Carlos Irrigation Project, Indian Works and Joint Works. Uintah Irrigation Project .................. Walker River Irrigation Project ........ VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:51 Apr 05, 2017 Kellie Youngbear Superintendent, Gary Colvin, Irrigation Project Manager, 12124 1st Avenue, Parker, AZ 85344, Telephone: (928) 669–7111. Joseph McDade, Superintendent, (Project operation & management compacted to Tribes), 2719 Argent Ave., Suite 4, Gateway Plaza, Elko, NV 89801, Telephone: (775) 738–5165, (208) 759–3100, (Tribal Office). Denni Shields, Superintendent, 256 South Second Avenue, Suite D, Yuma, AZ 85364, Telephone: (928) 782–1202. Ferris Begay, Project Manager, Clarence Begay, Irrigation Manager, 13805 N. Arizona Boulevard, Coolidge, AZ 85128, Telephone: (520) 723–6225. Bart Stevens Superintendent, Ken Asay, Irrigation System Manager, P.O. Box 130, Fort Duchesne, UT 84026, Telephone: (435) 722–4300, (435) 722–4344. Robert Eben, Superintendent, 311 E. Washington Street, Carson City, NV 89701, Telephone: (775) 887– 3500. Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 16851 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 65 / Thursday, April 6, 2017 / Notices What irrigation assessments or charges are adjusted by this notice? The rate table below contains the current rates for all irrigation projects where we recover costs of administering, operating, maintaining, and rehabilitating them. The table also contains the final rates for the 2016 calendar year and subsequent years Project name where applicable. An asterisk immediately following the rate category notes the irrigation projects where 2016 rates are different from the 2015 rates. Final 2015 rate Rate category Final 2016 rate Final 2017 rate ** Northwest Region Rate Table Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (See Note #1) .................... Basic-per acre—A .................. Basic-per acre—B .................. Minimum Charge per tract ..... $26.00 13.00 75.00 Final 2015 rate Project name Rate category Fort Hall Irrigation Project .......................................................................... Basic per acre * ............................... Minimum Charge per tract * ............ Basic per acre * ............................... Minimum Charge per tract * ............ Basic per acre * ............................... Pressure per acre * .......................... Minimum Charge per tract * ............ Minimum Charge per bill * ............... Basic per acre * ............................... Minimum Charge per bill * ............... Basic per acre * ............................... Minimum Charge per bill ................. ‘‘A’’ Basic per acre .......................... ‘‘B’’ Basic per acre .......................... Minimum Charge per bill * ............... Basic per acre * ............................... Minimum Charge ............................. Basic per acre ................................. Fort Hall Irrigation Project—Minor Units .................................................... Fort Hall Irrigation Project—Michaud ........................................................ Wapato Irrigation Project—Toppenish/Simcoe Units ................................ Wapato Irrigation Project—Ahtanum Units ................................................ Wapato Irrigation Project—Satus Unit ....................................................... Wapato Irrigation Project—Additional Works ............................................ Wapato Irrigation Project—Water Rental .................................................. $26.00 13.00 75.00 $26.00 13.00 75.00 Final 2016 rate $49.00 35.00 27.00 35.00 50.50 72.50 35.00 24.00 24.00 25.00 25.00 79.00 79.00 85.00 75.00 75.00 86.00 86.00 $52.00 37.00 31.00 37.00 55.00 83.00 37.00 25.00 25.00 30.00 30.00 79.00 79.00 85.00 78.00 78.00 86.00 86.00 Basic-per acre ................................. Basic-per acre * ............................... 20.00 24.80 20.00 26.00 Basic-per acre * ............................... 24.80 26.00 Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per Basic-per 14.00 2.00 15.00 26.00 21.00 21.00 25.70 14.00 14.00 21.00 14.00 2.00 16.00 26.00 22.50 21.00 47.00 15.50 15.50 26.00 50.00 17.00 50.00 18.00 $54.00 17.00 $54.00 17.00 5.30 108.50 24.50 5.30 113.00 24.50 108.50 113.00 Rocky Mountain Region Rate Table Blackfeet Irrigation Project ......................................................................... Crow Irrigation Project—Willow Creek O&M (includes Agency, Lodge Grass #1, Lodge Grass #2, Reno, Upper Little Horn, and Forty Mile Units). Crow Irrigation Project—All Others (includes Bighorn, Soap Creek, and Pryor Units). Crow Irrigation Project—Two Leggins Unit ............................................... Crow Irrigation Two Leggins Drainage District .......................................... Fort Belknap Irrigation Project ................................................................... Fort Peck Irrigation Project ........................................................................ Wind River Irrigation Project—Units 2, 3 and 4 ........................................ Wind River Irrigation Project—Unit 6 ........................................................ Wind River Irrigation Project—LeClair District (see Note#2) .................... Wind River Irrigation Project—Crow Heart Unit ........................................ Wind River Irrigation Project—A Canal Unit ............................................. Wind River Irrigation Project—Riverton Valley Irrigation District .............. acre ................................. acre ................................. acre * ............................... acre ................................. acre * ............................... acre ................................. acre * ............................... acre * ............................... acre * ............................... acre * ............................... Southwest Region Rate Table Pine River Irrigation Project ....................................................................... Minimum Charge per tract .............. Basic-per acre * ............................... Western Region Rate Table mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Colorado River Irrigation Project ............................................................... Duck Valley Irrigation Project .................................................................... Yuma Project, Indian Unit (See Note #3) .................................................. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:51 Apr 05, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Basic per acre up to 5.75 acre-feet Excess Water per acre-foot over 5.75 acre-feet. Basic per acre ................................. Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre-feet * Excess Water per acre-foot over 5.0 acre-feet. Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre-feet (Ranch 5) *. Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 16852 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 65 / Thursday, April 6, 2017 / Notices Project name Rate category San Carlos Irrigation Project (Joint Works) (See Note #4). Basic per acre * .......... Final 2015 rate $35.00 Final 2016 rate $30.00 $25.00. Final 2016—2017 Construction Water Rate Schedule: Off project construcOn project construction tion—gravity water Administrative Fee ..... Usage Fee ................. Excess Water Rate † $300.00 $250.00 per month .... $5.00 per 1,000 gal ... Final 2017 rate ** $300.00 No Fee ....................... No Charge ................. On project construction—pump water $300.00. $100.00 per acre foot. No Charge. † The excess water rate applies to all water used in excess of 50,000 gallons in any one month. Final 2015 rate Project name Rate category San Carlos Irrigation Project (Indian Works) (See Note#5) ...................... Uintah Irrigation Project ............................................................................. Basic per acre * ............................... Basic per acre ................................. Minimum Bill .................................... Basic per acre ................................. Walker River Irrigation Project ................................................................... $86.00 18.00 25.00 31.00 Final 2016 rate $81.00 18.00 25.00 31.00 * Notes irrigation projects where rates are adjusted. ** The requirement for a final 2017 Rate is only applicable to the Flathead and San Carlos Irrigation Projects due to their specific billing requirements. Note #1: Federal Register Notice on April 29, 2016 established the 2016 rate for the Flathead Irrigation Project (81 FR 25691). This notice makes final the 2017 rate for the Flathead Irrigation Project. Note #2: The O&M rate varies yearly based upon the budget submitted by the LeClair District. Note #3: The O&M rate for the Yuma Project, Indian Unit has two components. The first component is the O&M rate established by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the owner and operator of the Project. The BOR rate for 2016 is $110/acre. The second component is for the O&M rate established by BIA to cover administrative costs including billing and collections for the Project. The 2016 BIA rate is $3.00/acre. Note #4:The construction water rate schedule identifies the fees assessed for use of irrigation water for non-irrigation purposes. Federal Register Notice on April 29, 2016 established the 2016 rate for the SCIP–JW (81 FR 25691). This notice makes final the 2017 rate for the SCIP– JW. Note #5: The 2016 O&M rate for the San Carlos Irrigation Project—Indian Works has three components. The first component is the O&M rate established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project—Indian Works, the owner and operator of the Project; this rate is $51 per acre. The second component is for the O&M rate established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project—Joint Works and is determined to be $25.00 per acre. The third component is the O&M rate established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project Joint Control Board and is $5 per acre. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Consultation and Coordination With Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175) The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its government-togovernment relationship with Indian Tribes through a commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their right to selfgovernance and Tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this notice under the Department’s consultation policy and under the criteria of Executive Order 13175 and have determined there to be substantial direct effects on federally recognized Tribes because the irrigation projects are located on or associated with Indian reservations. To fulfill its consultation responsibility to Tribes and Tribal organizations, BIA communicates, coordinates, and consults on a continuing basis with these entities on issues of water delivery, water availability, and costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of projects that concern them. This is accomplished at the individual irrigation project by project, agency, and regional representatives, as appropriate, in accordance with local protocol and procedures. This notice is one VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:51 Apr 05, 2017 Jkt 241001 component of our overall coordination and consultation process to provide notice to, and request comments from, these entities when we adjust irrigation assessment rates. Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211) The rate adjustments are not a significant energy action under the definition in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866) These rate adjustments are not a significant regulatory action and do not need to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. Regulatory Flexibility Act These rate adjustments are not a rule for the purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act because they establish ‘‘a rule of particular applicability relating to rates.’’ 5 U.S.C. 601(2). PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 These rate adjustments do not impose an unfunded mandate on state, local, or tribal governments in the aggregate, or on the private sector, of more than $130 million per year. They do not have a significant or unique effect on state, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, the Department is not required to prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Takings (Executive Order 12630) These rate adjustments do not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have ‘‘takings’’ implications under Executive Order 12630. The rate adjustments do not deprive the public, state, or local governments of rights or property. Federalism (Executive Order 13132) Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, these rate adjustments do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement because they will not affect the States, the relationship between the national government and E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 65 / Thursday, April 6, 2017 / Notices the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among various levels of government. A federalism summary impact statement is not required. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988) This notice complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. Specifically, in issuing this notice, the Department has taken the necessary steps to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, minimize potential litigation, and provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct as required by section 3 of Executive Order 12988. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 These rate adjustments do not affect the collections of information which have been approved by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The OMB Control Number is 1076–0141 and expires June 30, 2019. National Environmental Policy Act The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and that no detailed statement is required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321–4370(d), pursuant to 43 CFR 46.210(i). In addition, the rate adjustments do not present any of the 12 extraordinary circumstances listed at 43 CFR 46.215. Data Quality Act In developing this notice, we did not conduct or use a study, experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–554). Dated: March 29, 2017. Michael S. Black, Acting Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 2017–06829 Filed 4–5–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4337–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES [178A2100DD/AAKC001030/ A0A501010.999900 253G] Renewal of Agency Information Collection for Financial Assistance and Social Services AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. Notice of request for comments. ACTION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:51 Apr 05, 2017 Jkt 241001 In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs is seeking comments on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the collection of information for the ‘‘Financial Assistance and Social Services’’ authorized by OMB Control Number 1076–0017. This information collection expires June 30, 2017. DATES: Submit comments on or before June 5, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the information collection to Ms. Evangeline Campbell, Chief, Division of Human Services, Office of Indian Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street NW., MS–4513–MIB, Washington, DC 20240; facsimile: (202) 208–5113; email: Evangline.Campbell@ bia.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Evangeline Campbell, telephone: (202) 513–7621. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is seeking to renew the information collection it conducts to provide assistance under 25 CFR 20 to eligible Indians when comparable financial assistance or social services either are not available or not provided by State, tribal, county, local, or other Federal agencies. Approval for this collection expires June 30, 2017. The information collection allows BIA to determine whether an individual is eligible for assistance and services. No third party notification or public disclosure burden is associated with this collection. II. Request for Comments The BIA requests your comments on this collection concerning: (a) The necessity of this information collection for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (hours and cost) of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Ways we could enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Ways we could minimize the burden of the collection of the information on the respondents. Please note that an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and an individual need not respond to, a collection of information unless it has a valid OMB Control Number. It is our policy to make all comments available to the public for review at the PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 16853 location listed in the ADDRESSES section. Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. III. Data OMB Control Number: 1076–0017. Title: Financial Assistance and Social Services, 25 CFR 20. Brief Description of Collection: Submission of this information is required of Indian applicants of BIA financial assistance and social services. BIA uses the information to determine if an individual is eligible for services and, where appropriate, to conduct an employability assessment and jointly develop with the individual an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP) outlining how the individual can attain self-sufficiency. A response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. Type of Review: Extension without change of currently approved collection. Respondents: Individual Indians seeking financial assistance or social services from BIA. Estimated Number of Respondents: 240,000 provide information on the application, of those, 95,000 contribute information to an employability assessment and ISP. Frequency of Response: Once, on occasion. Estimated Time per Response: 1.5 (0.5 hours for the application + 1 hour for the employability assessment and ISP). Obligation to Respond: Response required to obtain a benefit. Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 215,000 hours ((240,000 × .05 hours for applications) + (95,000 × 1 hour for employability assessment and ISP)). Estimated Total Annual Non-Hour Dollar Cost: $0. Elizabeth K. Appel, Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative Action—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 2017–06795 Filed 4–5–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4337–15–P E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 65 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16849-16853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06829]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

[178A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900 253G]

Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in
irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian
reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish
irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer,
operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying
you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of
our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of
administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.

DATES: The irrigation assessment rates are current as of January 1,
2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For details about a particular BIA
irrigation project or facility, please use the tables in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section to contact the regional or local
office where the project or facility is located.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A Notice of Proposed Rate Adjustment was
published in the Federal Register on August 5, 2016 (81 FR 51927) to
propose adjustments to the irrigation assessment rates at several BIA
irrigation projects. The public and interested parties were provided an
opportunity to submit written comments during the 60-day period that
ended October 4, 2016.

Did BIA defer or change any proposed rate increases?

Yes. For the Flathead and Duck Valley Indian Irrigation Projects
the rate increase to $33.50 and $6.30, respectively, as published in
the proposed notice for the 2016 rate was not implemented. The final
2016 rate will remain at the 2015 amounts of $26.00 and $5.30. All
other rates are to be implemented at the respective irrigation project
as published.

Did BIA receive any comments on the proposed irrigation assessment rate
adjustments?

No. The BIA did not receive any comments to the proposed irrigation
assessment rate adjustment.

Does this notice affect me?

This notice affects you if you own or lease land within the
assessable acreage of one of our irrigation projects or if you have a
carriage agreement with one of our irrigation projects.

Where can I get information on the regulatory and legal citations in
this notice?

You can contact the appropriate office(s) stated in the tables for
the

[[Page 16850]]

irrigation project that serves you, or you can use the Internet site
for the Government Printing Office at www.gpo.gov.

What authorizes you to issue this notice?

Our authority to issue this notice is vested in the Secretary of
the Interior (Secretary) by 5 U.S.C. 301 and the Act of August 14, 1914
(38 Stat. 583; 25 U.S.C. 385). The Secretary has in turn delegated this
authority to the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs under Part 209,
Chapter 8.1A, of the Department of the Interior's Departmental Manual.

Whom can I contact for further information?

The following tables are the regional and project/agency contacts
for our irrigation facilities.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project name Project/agency contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stanley Speaks, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest
Regional Office, 911 NE. 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4169,
Telephone: (503) 231-6702.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flathead Indian Irrigation Project Pete Plant, Acting Superintendent,
Pete Plant, Irrigation Project
Manager, P.O. Box 40, Pablo, MT
59855, Telephones: (406) 675-2700
ext. 1300 Superintendent, (406) 745-
2661 ext. 2 Project Manager.
Fort Hall Irrigation Project...... David Bollinger, Irrigation Project
Manager, Building #2 Bannock Ave,
Fort Hall, ID 83203-0220,
Telephone: (208) 238-6264
Wapato Irrigation Project......... David Shaw, Superintendent, Larry
Nelson, Acting Project
Administrator, P.O. Box 220,
Wapato, WA 98951-0220, Telephones:
(509) 865-2421 Superintendent,
(509) 877-3155 Acting Project
Administrator.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rocky Mountain Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Darryl LaCounte, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rocky
Mountain Regional Office, 2021 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101,
Telephone: (406) 247-7943.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackfeet Irrigation Project...... Thedis Crowe, Superintendent, Greg
Tatsey, Irrigation Project Manager,
Box 880, Browning, MT 59417,
Telephones: (406) 338-7544,
Superintendent, (406) 338-7519,
Irrigation Project Manager.
Crow Irrigation Project........... Vianna Stewart, Superintendent, John
Anevski, Acting Irrigation Project
Manager, P.O. Box 69, Crow Agency,
MT 59022, Telephones: (406) 638-
2672, Superintendent, (406) 247-
7998, Acting Irrigation Project
Manager.
Fort Belknap Irrigation Project... John St. Pierre, Superintendent,
Vacant, Irrigation Project Manager,
(Project operation & maintenance
contracted to Tribes), R.R.1, Box
980, Harlem, MT 59526, Telephones:
(406) 353-2901, Superintendent,
(406) 353-8454, Irrigation Project
Manager (Tribal Office).
Fort Peck Irrigation Project...... Howard Beemer, Superintendent, Huber
Wright, Acting Irrigation Project
Manager, P.O. Box 637, Poplar, MT
59255, Telephones: (406) 768-5312,
Superintendent, (406) 653-1752,
Irrigation Project Manager.
Wind River Irrigation Project..... Norma Gourneau, Superintendent, John
Anevski, Acting Irrigation Project
Manager, P.O. Box 158, Fort
Washakie, WY 82514, Telephones:
(307) 332-7810, Superintendent,
(307) 247-7998, Acting Irrigation
Project Manager.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
William T. Walker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Southwest Regional Office, 1001 Indian School Road, Albuquerque, NM
87104, Telephone: (505) 563-3100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pine River Irrigation Project..... Priscilla Bancroft, Superintendent,
Vickie Begay, Irrigation Project
Manager, P.O. Box 315, Ignacio, CO
81137-0315, Telephones: (970) 563-
4511, Superintendent, (970) 563-
9484, Irrigation Project Manager.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryan Bowker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western
Regional Office, 2600 N. Central Ave., 4th Floor Mailroom, Phoenix, AZ
85004, Telephone: (602) 379-6600.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River Irrigation Project. Kellie Youngbear Superintendent,
Gary Colvin, Irrigation Project
Manager, 12124 1st Avenue, Parker,
AZ 85344, Telephone: (928) 669-
7111.
Duck Valley Irrigation Project.... Joseph McDade, Superintendent,
(Project operation & management
compacted to Tribes), 2719 Argent
Ave., Suite 4, Gateway Plaza, Elko,
NV 89801, Telephone: (775) 738-
5165, (208) 759-3100, (Tribal
Office).
Yuma Project, Indian Unit......... Denni Shields, Superintendent, 256
South Second Avenue, Suite D, Yuma,
AZ 85364, Telephone: (928) 782-
1202.
San Carlos Irrigation Project, Ferris Begay, Project Manager,
Indian Works and Joint Works. Clarence Begay, Irrigation Manager,
13805 N. Arizona Boulevard,
Coolidge, AZ 85128, Telephone:
(520) 723-6225.
Uintah Irrigation Project......... Bart Stevens Superintendent, Ken
Asay, Irrigation System Manager,
P.O. Box 130, Fort Duchesne, UT
84026, Telephone: (435) 722-4300,
(435) 722-4344.
Walker River Irrigation Project... Robert Eben, Superintendent, 311 E.
Washington Street, Carson City, NV
89701, Telephone: (775) 887-3500.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 16851]]

What irrigation assessments or charges are adjusted by this notice?

The rate table below contains the current rates for all irrigation
projects where we recover costs of administering, operating,
maintaining, and rehabilitating them. The table also contains the final
rates for the 2016 calendar year and subsequent years where applicable.
An asterisk immediately following the rate category notes the
irrigation projects where 2016 rates are different from the 2015 rates.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final 2015 Final 2016 Final 2017
Project name Rate category rate rate rate **
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flathead Indian Irrigation Project Basic-per acre--A....... $26.00 $26.00 $26.00
(See Note #1).
Basic-per acre--B....... 13.00 13.00 13.00
Minimum Charge per tract 75.00 75.00 75.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final 2015 Final 2016
Project name Rate category rate rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fort Hall Irrigation Project.................. Basic per acre *................ $49.00 $52.00
Minimum Charge per tract *...... 35.00 37.00
Fort Hall Irrigation Project--Minor Units..... Basic per acre *................ 27.00 31.00
Minimum Charge per tract *...... 35.00 37.00
Fort Hall Irrigation Project--Michaud......... Basic per acre *................ 50.50 55.00
Pressure per acre *............. 72.50 83.00
Minimum Charge per tract *...... 35.00 37.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Toppenish/Simcoe Minimum Charge per bill *....... 24.00 25.00
Units.
Basic per acre *................ 24.00 25.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Ahtanum Units...... Minimum Charge per bill *....... 25.00 30.00
Basic per acre *................ 25.00 30.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Satus Unit......... Minimum Charge per bill......... 79.00 79.00
``A'' Basic per acre............ 79.00 79.00
``B'' Basic per acre............ 85.00 85.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Additional Works... Minimum Charge per bill *....... 75.00 78.00
Basic per acre *................ 75.00 78.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Water Rental....... Minimum Charge.................. 86.00 86.00
Basic per acre.................. 86.00 86.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rocky Mountain Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackfeet Irrigation Project.................. Basic-per acre.................. 20.00 20.00
Crow Irrigation Project--Willow Creek O&M Basic-per acre *................ 24.80 26.00
(includes Agency, Lodge Grass #1, Lodge Grass
#2, Reno, Upper Little Horn, and Forty Mile
Units).
Crow Irrigation Project--All Others (includes Basic-per acre *................ 24.80 26.00
Bighorn, Soap Creek, and Pryor Units).
Crow Irrigation Project--Two Leggins Unit..... Basic-per acre.................. 14.00 14.00
Crow Irrigation Two Leggins Drainage District. Basic-per acre.................. 2.00 2.00
Fort Belknap Irrigation Project............... Basic-per acre *................ 15.00 16.00
Fort Peck Irrigation Project.................. Basic-per acre.................. 26.00 26.00
Wind River Irrigation Project--Units 2, 3 and Basic-per acre *................ 21.00 22.50
4.
Wind River Irrigation Project--Unit 6......... Basic-per acre.................. 21.00 21.00
Wind River Irrigation Project--LeClair Basic-per acre *................ 25.70 47.00
District (see Note#2).
Wind River Irrigation Project--Crow Heart Unit Basic-per acre *................ 14.00 15.50
Wind River Irrigation Project--A Canal Unit... Basic-per acre *................ 14.00 15.50
Wind River Irrigation Project--Riverton Valley Basic-per acre *................ 21.00 26.00
Irrigation District.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pine River Irrigation Project................. Minimum Charge per tract........ 50.00 50.00
Basic-per acre *................ 17.00 18.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River Irrigation Project............. Basic per acre up to 5.75 acre- $54.00 $54.00
feet.
Excess Water per acre-foot over 17.00 17.00
5.75 acre-feet.
Duck Valley Irrigation Project................ Basic per acre.................. 5.30 5.30
Yuma Project, Indian Unit (See Note #3)....... Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre- 108.50 113.00
feet *.
Excess Water per acre-foot over 24.50 24.50
5.0 acre-feet.
Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre- 108.50 113.00
feet (Ranch 5) *.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 16852]]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project name Rate category Final 2015 rate Final 2016 rate Final 2017 rate **
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Carlos Irrigation Project Basic per acre *.. $35.00 $30.00 $25.00.
(Joint Works) (See Note #4).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final 2016--2017 Construction Water Rate Schedule:
Off project On project On project
construction. construction--gra construction--pum
vity water. p water
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative Fee $300.00 $300.00 $300.00.
Usage Fee......... $250.00 per month. No Fee............ $100.00 per acre
foot.
Excess Water Rate $5.00 per 1,000 No Charge......... No Charge.
[dagger]. gal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[dagger] The excess water rate applies to all water used in excess of 50,000
gallons in any one month.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consultation and Coordination With Tribal Governments (Executive Order
13175)

The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its
government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes through a
commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their
right to self-governance and Tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this
notice under the Department's consultation policy and under the
criteria of Executive Order 13175 and have determined there to be
substantial direct effects on federally recognized Tribes because the
irrigation projects are located on or associated with Indian
reservations. To fulfill its consultation responsibility to Tribes and
Tribal organizations, BIA communicates, coordinates, and consults on a
continuing basis with these entities on issues of water delivery, water
availability, and costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and
rehabilitation of projects that concern them. This is accomplished at
the individual irrigation project by project, agency, and regional
representatives, as appropriate, in accordance with local protocol and
procedures. This notice is one component of our overall coordination
and consultation process to provide notice to, and request comments
from, these entities when we adjust irrigation assessment rates.

Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211)

The rate adjustments are not a significant energy action under the
definition in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is
not required.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

These rate adjustments are not a significant regulatory action and
do not need to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under
Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

These rate adjustments are not a rule for the purposes of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act because they establish ``a rule of
particular applicability relating to rates.'' 5 U.S.C. 601(2).

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

These rate adjustments do not impose an unfunded mandate on state,
local, or tribal governments in the aggregate, or on the private
sector, of more than $130 million per year. They do not have a
significant or unique effect on state, local, or tribal governments or
the private sector. Therefore, the Department is not required to
prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

These rate adjustments do not effect a taking of private property
or otherwise have ``takings'' implications under Executive Order 12630.
The rate adjustments do not deprive the public, state, or local
governments of rights or property.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, these
rate adjustments do not have sufficient federalism implications to
warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement
because they will not affect the States, the relationship between the
national government and

[[Page 16853]]

the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among
various levels of government. A federalism summary impact statement is
not required.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

This notice complies with the requirements of Executive Order
12988. Specifically, in issuing this notice, the Department has taken
the necessary steps to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity,
minimize potential litigation, and provide a clear legal standard for
affected conduct as required by section 3 of Executive Order 12988.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

These rate adjustments do not affect the collections of information
which have been approved by the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, under the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995. The OMB Control Number is 1076-0141 and expires June 30,
2019.

National Environmental Policy Act

The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not
constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality
of the human environment and that no detailed statement is required
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321-
4370(d), pursuant to 43 CFR 46.210(i). In addition, the rate
adjustments do not present any of the 12 extraordinary circumstances
listed at 43 CFR 46.215.

Data Quality Act

In developing this notice, we did not conduct or use a study,
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act
(Pub. L. 106-554).

Dated: March 29, 2017.
Michael S. Black,
Acting Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2017-06829 Filed 4-5-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337-15-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.