Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects, 33279-33286 [2015-14211]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. HUD encourages interested parties to submit comment in response to these questions. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35. Dated: June 2, 2015. Colette Pollard, Department Reports Management Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–14311 Filed 6–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–HQ–MB–2015–N116; 91100–3740– GRNT 7C] Meeting Announcement: North American Wetlands Conservation Council AGENCY: 5275 Leesburg Pike MS: MB, Falls Church, VA 22041. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: About the Council In accordance with NAWCA (Pub. L. 101–233, 103 Stat. 1968, December 13, 1989, as amended), the State-privateFederal Council meets to consider wetland acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and management projects for recommendation and final funding approval by the Commission. About NAWCA The North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989 provides matching grants to organizations and individuals who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. Project proposal due dates, application instructions, and eligibility requirements are available on the NAWCA Web site at https:// www.fws.gov/birds/grants. Public Input Fish and Wildlife Service, You must contact the Acting Council Coordinator (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) no later than Interior. Notice of meeting. ACTION: The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) will meet to select North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) U.S. Standard grant proposals for recommendation to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission). This meeting is open to the public, and interested persons may present oral or written statements. DATES: The meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. (PDT). If you are interested in presenting information at this public meeting, contact the acting Council Coordinator no later than June 19, 2015. ADDRESSES: Meeting venue will be located at The Westerly Hotel and Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2K4, Canada. Participants can join the meeting via telephone by calling the toll-free number 1–877–413–4791; when prompted, enter participant passcode 6532444#. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Johnson, Acting Council Coordinator, by phone at 703–358–1784; by email at dbhc@fws.gov; or by U.S. mail at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 If you wish to: (1) Listen to Council Meeting. (2) Submit written information or questions before the Council meeting for consideration during the meeting. June 23, 2015. June 19, 2015. Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Giving an Oral Presentation Individuals or groups requesting to make an oral presentation at the meeting will be limited to 2 minutes per speaker, with no more than a total of 10 minutes for all speakers. Interested parties should contact the acting Council Coordinator by the date above, in writing (preferably via email; see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), to be placed on the public speaker list. Nonregistered public speakers will not be considered during the Council meeting. Registered speakers who wish to expand upon their oral statements, or those who had wished to speak but could not be accommodated on the agenda, are invited to submit written statements to the Council within 30 days following the meeting. Meeting Minutes Summary minutes of the Council meeting will be maintained by the acting Council Coordinator at the address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Meeting notes can be obtained by contacting the acting Council Coordinator within 30 days following the meeting. Personal copies may be purchased for the cost of duplication. Jerome Ford, Assistant Director, Migratory Birds. [FR Doc. 2015–14266 Filed 6–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs [156A2100DD/AAKC001030/ A0A501010.999900 253G] Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects Submitting Written Information or Questions Interested members of the public may submit relevant information or questions for the Council to consider during the public meeting. If you wish to submit a written statement, so that the information may be made available to the Council for their consideration prior to this meeting, you must contact the acting Council Coordinator by the date above. Written statements must be supplied to the acting Council Coordinator in both of the following formats: One hard copy with original signature, and one electronic copy via email (acceptable file formats are Adobe Acrobat PDF, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, or rich text file). PO 00000 33279 Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice of proposed rate adjustments. AGENCY: 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 request your comments on the proposed rate adjustments. DATES: Interested parties may submit comments on the proposed rate adjustments on or before August 10, 2015. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1 33280 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices All comments on the proposed rate adjustments must be in writing and addressed to: Yulan Jin, Chief, Division of Water and Power, Office of Trust Services, Mail Stop 4637–MIB, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240, Telephone (202) 219–0941. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For details about a particular irrigation project, please use the tables in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section to contact the regional or local office where the project is located. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The first table in this notice provides contact information for individuals who can give further information about the irrigation projects covered by this notice. The second table provides the current 2014 irrigation assessment rates, the proposed rates for the 2015 irrigation season, and proposed rates for subsequent years where these are available. ADDRESSES: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES What is the meaning of the key terms used in this notice? In this notice: Administrative costs means all costs we incur to administer our irrigation projects at the local project level and are a cost factor included in calculating your operation and maintenance assessment. Costs incurred at the local project level do not normally include Agency, Region, or Central Office costs unless we state otherwise in writing. Assessable acre means lands designated by us to be served by one of our irrigation projects, for which we collect assessments in order to recover costs for the provision of irrigation service. (See total assessable acres.) BIA means the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Bill means our statement to you of the assessment charges and/or fees you owe the United States for administration, operation, maintenance, and/or rehabilitation. The date we mail or hand-deliver your bill will be stated on it. Costs means the costs we incur for administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation to provide direct support or benefit to an irrigation facility. (See administrative costs, operation costs, maintenance costs, and rehabilitation costs). Customer means any person or entity to which we provide irrigation service. Due date is the date on which your bill is due and payable. This date will be stated on your bill. I, me, my, you and your means all persons or entities that are affected by this notice. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:27 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 Irrigation project means a facility or portion thereof for the delivery, diversion, and storage of irrigation water that we own or have an interest in, including all appurtenant works. The term ‘‘irrigation project’’ is used interchangeably with irrigation facility, irrigation system, and irrigation area. Irrigation service means the full range of services we provide customers of our irrigation projects. This includes our activities to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate our projects in order to deliver water. Maintenance costs means costs we incur to maintain and repair our irrigation projects and associated equipment and are a cost factor included in calculating your operation and maintenance assessment. Operation and maintenance (O&M) assessment means the periodic charge you must pay us to reimburse costs of administering, operating, maintaining, and rehabilitating irrigation projects consistent with this notice and our supporting policies, manuals, and handbooks. Operation or operating costs mean costs we incur to operate our irrigation projects and equipment and are a cost factor included in calculating your O&M assessment. Past due bill means a bill that has not been paid by the close of business on the 30th day after the due date as stated on the bill. Beginning on the 31st day after the due date, we begin assessing additional charges accruing from the due date. Rehabilitation costs means costs we incur to restore our irrigation projects or features to original operating condition or to the nearest state which can be achieved using current technology and is a cost factor included in calculating your O&M assessment. Responsible party means an individual or entity that owns or leases land within the assessable acreage of one of our irrigation projects and is responsible for providing accurate information to our billing office and paying a bill for an annual irrigation rate assessment. Total assessable acres means the total acres served by one of our irrigation projects. Water delivery is an activity that is part of the irrigation service we provide our customers when water is available. We, us, and our means the United States Government, the Secretary of the Interior, the BIA, and all who are authorized to represent us in matters covered under this notice. PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 irrigation project that serves you, or you can use the Internet site for the Government Publishing Office at https:// www.gpo.gov. Why are you publishing this notice? We are publishing this notice to notify you that we propose to adjust our irrigation assessment rates. This notice is published in accordance with the BIA’s regulations governing its operation and maintenance of irrigation projects, found at 25 CFR part 171. This regulation provides for the establishment and publication of the rates for annual irrigation assessments as well as related information about our irrigation projects. What authorizes you to issue this notice? Our authority to issue this notice is vested in the Secretary of the Interior 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. When will you put the rate adjustments into effect? We will put the rate adjustments into effect for the 2015 irrigation season and subsequent years where applicable. How do you calculate irrigation rates? We calculate annual irrigation assessment rates in accordance with 25 CFR part 171.500 by estimating the annual costs of operation and maintenance at each of our irrigation projects and then dividing by the total assessable acres for that particular irrigation project. The result of this calculation for each project is stated in the rate table in this notice. What kinds of expenses do you consider in determining the estimated annual costs of operation and maintenance? Consistent with 25 CFR part 171.500, these expenses include the following: (a) Salary and benefits for the project engineer/manager and project E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices employees under the project engineer/ manager’s management or control; (b) Materials and supplies; (c) Vehicle and equipment repairs; (d) Equipment costs, including lease fees; (e) Depreciation; (f) Acquisition costs; (g) Maintenance of a reserve fund available for contingencies or emergency costs needed for the reliable operation of the irrigation facility infrastructure; (h) Maintenance of a vehicle and heavy equipment replacement fund; (i) Systematic rehabilitation and replacement of project facilities; (j) Carriage Agreements for the transfer of project water through irrigation facilities owned by others; (j) Any water storage fees for non BIAowned reservoirs, as applicable; (j) Contingencies for unknown costs and omitted budget items; and (k) Other expenses we determine necessary to properly perform the activities and functions characteristic of an irrigation project. When should I pay my irrigation assessment? We will mail or hand-deliver your bill notifying you (a) the amount you owe to the United States and (b) when such amount is due. If we mail your bill, we will consider it as being delivered no later than 5 business days after the day we mail it. You should pay your bill by the due date stated on the bill. What information must I provide for billing purposes? All responsible parties are required to provide the following information to the billing office associated with the irrigation project where you own or lease land within the project’s assessable acreage or to the billing office associated with the irrigation project with which you have a carriage agreement: (1) The full legal name of person or entity responsible for paying the bill; (2) An adequate and correct address for mailing or hand delivering our bill; and (3) The taxpayer identification number or social security number of the person or entity responsible for paying the bill. Why are you collecting my taxpayer identification number or social security number? Public Law 104–134, the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, requires that we collect the taxpayer identification number or social security number before billing a responsible party and as a condition to servicing the account. What happens if I am a responsible party but I fail to furnish the information required to the billing office responsible for the irrigation project within which I own or lease assessable land or for which I have a carriage agreement? If you are late paying your bill because of your failure to furnish the required information listed above, you will be assessed interest and penalties as provided below, and your failure to provide the required information will not provide grounds for you to appeal your bill or any penalties assessed. What can happen if I do not provide the information required for billing purposes? We can refuse to provide you irrigation service. If I allow my bill to become past due, could this affect my water delivery? Yes. 25 CFR 171.545(a) states: ‘‘We will not provide you irrigation service until: (1) Your bill is paid; or (2) You make arrangement for payment pursuant to § 171.550 of this part.’’ If we do not receive your payment before the close of business on the 30th day after the due date stated on your bill, we will send you a past due notice. This past due notice will have additional information concerning your rights. We will consider your past due notice as Project name 33281 delivered no later than 5 business days after the day we mail it. We follow the procedures provided in 31 CFR 901.2, ‘‘Demand for Payment,’’ when demanding payment of your past due bill. Are there any additional charges if I am late paying my bill? Yes. We will assess you interest on the amount owed, using the rate of interest established annually by the Secretary of the United States Treasury (Treasury) to calculate what you will be assessed . You will not be assessed this charge until your bill is past due. However, if you allow your bill to become past due, interest will accrue from the original due date, not the past due date. Also, you will be charged an administrative fee of $12.50 for each time we try to collect your past due bill. If your bill becomes more than 90 days past due, you will be assessed a penalty charge of 6 percent per year, which will accrue from the date your bill initially became past due. Pursuant to 31 CFR 901.9, ‘‘Interest, penalties and administrative costs,’’ as a Federal agency, we are required to charge interest, penalties, and administrative costs in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3717 What else will happen to my past due bill? If you do not pay your bill or make payment arrangements to which we agree, we are required to send your past due bill to the Treasury for further action. Under the provisions of 31 CFR 901.1, ‘‘Aggressive agency collection activity,’’ federal agencies should consider referring debts that are less than 180 days delinquent, and we must send any unpaid annual irrigation assessment bill to Treasury no later than 180 days after the original due date of the bill. Who 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 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Stanley Speaks, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest Regional Office, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232–4169, Telephone: (503) 231–6702. Flathead, Irrigation Project ....................................................................... Fort Hall, Irrigation Project ....................................................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Ernest Moran, Superintendent, Pete Plant, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 40, Pablo, MT 59855, Telephones: (406) 675–2700 x1300 Superintendent, (406) 745–2661 x2 Project Manager. Randy Thompson, Acting Superintendent, David Bollinger, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 220, Fort Hall, ID 83203–0220, Telephone: (208) 238–2301 Superintendent. Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1 33282 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices Project name Project/agency contacts Wapato, Irrigation Project ......................................................................... Edwin Lewis, Project Administrator, P.O. Box 220, Wapato, WA 98951–0220, Telephone: (509) 877–3155. Rocky Mountain Region Contacts Darryl LaCounte, Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, 316 North 26th Street, Billings, Montana 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, Acting 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, Vacant, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 69, Crow Agency, MT 59022, Telephones: (406) 638– 2672, Superintendent, (406) 638–2863, Irrigation Project Manager. Sarah Fallsdown, Acting Superintendent, Vacant, Irrigation Project Manager, (Project operations & management 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, Vacant, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 158, Fort Washakie, WY 82514, Telephones: (307) 332– 7810, Superintendent, (307) 332–2596, Irrigation Project Manager. Southwest Region Contacts William T. Walker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southwest Regional Office, 1001 Indian School Road, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, Telephone: (505) 563–3100. Pine River, Irrigation Project .................................................................... Priscilla Bancroft, Acting 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, Arizona 85004, Telephone: (602) 379–6600. Colorado River, Irrigation Project ............................................................. Duck Valley, Irrigation Project .................................................................. Yuma Project, Indian Unit ........................................................................ San Carlos, Irrigation Project, Indian Works and Joint Works ................ Uintah, Irrigation Project ........................................................................... Walker River, Irrigation Project ................................................................ mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES What irrigation assessments or charges are proposed for adjustment by this notice? The rate table below contains the current rates for all irrigation projects VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 Kellie Youngbear Superintendent, Gary Colvin, Irrigation Project Manager, 12124 1st Avenue, Parker, AZ 85344, Telephone: (928) 669– 7111. Joseph McDade, Superintendent, (Project operations & management compacted to Tribes), 2719 Argent Ave., Suite 4, Gateway Plaza, Elko, NV 89801, Telephone: (775) 738–5165, (208) 759–3100, (Tribal Office). Irene Herder, 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. Marilyn Bitsillie, Acting Superintendent, 311 E. Washington Street, Carson City, NV 89701, Telephone: (775) 887–3500. where we recover costs of administering, operating, maintaining, and rehabilitating them. The table also contains the proposed rates for the 2015 season and subsequent years where PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 applicable. An asterisk immediately following the name of the project notes the irrigation projects where rates are proposed for adjustment. BILLING CODE 4337–15–P E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1 33283 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices Rate Category Final 2014 Rate Proposed 2015 Rate 2016 Rate Basic-per acre - A $26.00 $26.00 $33.50 Basic-per acre - B $11.75 $13.00 $16.75 Minimum Charge per tract $65.00 $75.00 $75.00 Basic-per acre $47.00 $49.00 To Be Determined Minimum Charge per tract $32.50 $35.00 To Be Determined Basic-per acre $24.00 $27.00 To Be Determined Minimum Charge per tract $32.50 $35.00 To Be Determined Basic-per acre $47.00 $50.50 To Be Determined Pressure per acre $65.00 $72.50 To Be Determined Minimum Charge per tract $32.50 $35.00 To Be Determined Wapato Irrigation ProjectToppenish! Simcoe Units * Minimum Charge for per bill $23.00 $24.00 To Be Determined Basic-per acre $23.00 $24.00 To Be Determined Wapato Irrigation Project- Ahtanum Units* Minimum Charge per bill $24.00 $25.00 To Be Determined Basic-per acre $24.00 $25.00 To Be Determined Wapato Irrigation Project- Minimum Charge for per bill $76.00 $79.00 To Be Determined "A" Basic-per acre $76.00 $79.00 To Be Determined "B" Basic-per acre $82.00 $85.00 To Be Determined Wapato Irrigation Project- Minimum Charge per bill $71.00 $75.00 To Be Determined Additional Works* Basic-per acre $71.00 $75.00 To Be Determined Wapato Irrigation Project- Minimum Charge $84.00 $86.00 To Be Determined Basic-per acre $84.00 $86.00 To Be Determined Flathead Irrigation Project* (See Note #1) Fort Hall Irrigation Project* Fort Hall Irrigation Project -Minor Units* Fort Hall Irrigation Project- Michaud * mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Satus Unit* Water Rental* VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1 Proposed EN11JN15.000</GPH> Project Name 33284 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices Rocky Mountain Region Rate Table Project Name Rate Category Final 2014 Rate Proposed 2015 Rate Blackfeet Irrigation Project* Basic-per acre $19.50 $20.00 Crow Irrigation Project- Willow Creek O&M (includes Agency, Lodge Grass #1, Lodge Grass #2, Reno, Upper Little Horn, and Forty Mile Units) Basic-per acre $24.80 $24.80 Crow Irrigation Project- All Others (includes Bighorn, Soap Creek, and Pryor Units)* Basic-per acre $24.50 $24.80 Crow Irrigation Project - Two Leggins Unit Basic-per acre $14.50 $14.50 Crow Irrigation Two Leggins Drainage District Basic-per acre $2.00 $2.00 Fort Belknap Irrigation Project Basic-per acre $15.00 $15.00 Fort Peck Irrigation Project* Basic-per acre $26.00 $26.00 Wind River Irrigation ProjectUnits 2, 3 and 4* Basic-per acre $21.00 $21.00 Wind River Irrigation ProjectLeClair District * Basic-per acre $28.80 $22.00 Wind River Irrigation ProjectCrow Heart Unit* Basic-per acre $14.00 $14.00 Wind River Irrigation Project- A Canal Unit* Basic-per acre $14.00 $14.00 Wind River Irrigation ProjectRiverton Valley Irrigation District Basic-per acre $21.00 $24.00 (see Note#2) Southwest Region Rate Table Rate Category mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 17:06 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 $50.00 $50.00 Basic-per acre VerDate Sep<11>2014 Proposed 2015 Rate Minimum Charge per tract Pine River Irrigation Project* Final 2014 Rate $15.00 $17.00 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1 EN11JN15.001</GPH> Project Name 33285 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices Western Region Rate Table Project Name Rate Category Final 2014 Rate Proposed 2015 Rate Proposed 2016 Rate Colorado River Irrigation Project Basic-per acre $54.00 $54.00 To be determined $17.00 $17.00 up to 5.75 acre-feet Excess Water per acre-foot over 5.75 acre-feet Duck Valley Irrigation Project Basic-per acre $5.30 $5.30 Yuma Project, Indian Unit Basic-per acre up to 5.0 acre-feet $91.00 $108.50 (See Note #3) Excess Water per acrefoot over 5.0 acre-feet $17.00 $24.50 Basic-per acre up to 5.0 acre-feet (Ranch 5) $91.00 $108.50 San Carlos Irrigation Project (Joint Works)* Basic-per acre $30.00 $35.00 (See Note #4) Proposed 2015 - 2016 Construction Water Rate Schedule: $30.00 Off Project Construction On Project Construction Gravity Water On Project ConstructionPump Water Administrative Fee $300.00 $300.00 $300.00 Usage Fee $250.00 per month No Fee $100.00 per acre-foot Excess Water Ratet $5 per 1000 gal No charge No charge tThe excess water rate applies to all water used in excess of 50,000 gallons in any one month. San Carlos Irrigation Project (Indian Works) * Basic-per acre $81.00 $86.00 Uintah Irrigation Project* Basic-per acre $18.00 $18.00 Minimum Bill $25.00 $25.00 Walker River Irrigation Project * Basic-per acre $28.00 To be determined $31.00 * Notes irrigation projects where rates are proposed for adjustment. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 Note #1—The BIA reassumed Management and Operation of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project in April 2014. The 2014 and PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2015 rates were established by the previous Project Operator and are considered final. E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1 EN11JN15.002</GPH> mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES (See Note#5) 33286 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 112 / Thursday, June 11, 2015 / Notices 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 2015 is proposed to be $107/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 2015 BIA rate is proposed to be $1.50/acre. Note #4—The construction water rate schedule proposes the fees assessed for use of irrigation water for non-irrigation purposes. The final 2015 rate for the SCIP–JW was established by Federal Register Notice on March 6, 2015 (80 FR 12197). This notice proposes the 2016 rate for the SCIP–JW. The Project recommended a rate of $30/acre for FY 2016. However, BIA recently completed a technical report indicating that the deferred maintenance costs for Coolidge Dam will be much higher than originally estimated. Therefore, this notice proposes to retain the $35/acre O&M rate for the Project in order to collect an additional $500,000 for Coolidge Dam deferred maintenance. The Project provided the technical report to the water users for review and comment. Note #5—The 2015 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 proposed to be $45 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 $35.00 per acre. The third component is the O&M rate established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project Joint Control Board and is proposed to be $6 per acre. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Consultation and Coordination With Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175) 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Jun 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211) The rate adjustments will have no adverse effects on energy supply, distribution, or use (including a shortfall in supply, price increases, and increase use of foreign supplies) should the proposed rate adjustments be implemented. This is a notice for rate adjustments at BIA-owned and operated irrigation projects, except for the Fort Yuma Irrigation Project. The Fort Yuma Irrigation Project is owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation with a portion serving the Fort Yuma Reservation. 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. The rule does 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) The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not have significant ‘‘takings’’ implications. The rate adjustments do not deprive the public, state, or local governments of rights or property. Federalism (Executive Order 13132) The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not have significant Federalism effects because they will not affect the States, the relationship between the national government and the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among various levels of government. PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988) In issuing this rule, 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 March 31, 2016. 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)). 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: June 4, 2015. Kevin K. Washburn, Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 2015–14211 Filed 6–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4337–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement [S1D1S SS08011000 SX066A000 67F 134S180110; S2D2S SS08011000 SX066A00 33F 13xs501520] Notice of Proposed Information Collection; Request for Comments for 1029–0025 Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is announcing that the information collection request for its maintenance of state programs and procedures for substituting Federal enforcement of state programs and withdrawing approval of state programs, has been SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 112 (Thursday, June 11, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33279-33286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14211]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

[156A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900 253G]


Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rate adjustments.

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

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 request your 
comments on the proposed rate adjustments.

DATES: Interested parties may submit comments on the proposed rate 
adjustments on or before August 10, 2015.

[[Page 33280]]


ADDRESSES: All comments on the proposed rate adjustments must be in 
writing and addressed to: Yulan Jin, Chief, Division of Water and 
Power, Office of Trust Services, Mail Stop 4637-MIB, 1849 C Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20240, Telephone (202) 219-0941.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The first table in this notice provides 
contact information for individuals who can give further information 
about the irrigation projects covered by this notice. The second table 
provides the current 2014 irrigation assessment rates, the proposed 
rates for the 2015 irrigation season, and proposed rates for subsequent 
years where these are available.

What is the meaning of the key terms used in this notice?

    In this notice:
    Administrative costs means all costs we incur to administer our 
irrigation projects at the local project level and are a cost factor 
included in calculating your operation and maintenance assessment. 
Costs incurred at the local project level do not normally include 
Agency, Region, or Central Office costs unless we state otherwise in 
writing.
    Assessable acre means lands designated by us to be served by one of 
our irrigation projects, for which we collect assessments in order to 
recover costs for the provision of irrigation service. (See total 
assessable acres.)
    BIA means the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
    Bill means our statement to you of the assessment charges and/or 
fees you owe the United States for administration, operation, 
maintenance, and/or rehabilitation. The date we mail or hand-deliver 
your bill will be stated on it.
    Costs means the costs we incur for administration, operation, 
maintenance, and rehabilitation to provide direct support or benefit to 
an irrigation facility. (See administrative costs, operation costs, 
maintenance costs, and rehabilitation costs).
    Customer means any person or entity to which we provide irrigation 
service.
    Due date is the date on which your bill is due and payable. This 
date will be stated on your bill.
    I, me, my, you and your means all persons or entities that are 
affected by this notice.
    Irrigation project means a facility or portion thereof for the 
delivery, diversion, and storage of irrigation water that we own or 
have an interest in, including all appurtenant works. The term 
``irrigation project'' is used interchangeably with irrigation 
facility, irrigation system, and irrigation area.
    Irrigation service means the full range of services we provide 
customers of our irrigation projects. This includes our activities to 
administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate our projects in order 
to deliver water.
    Maintenance costs means costs we incur to maintain and repair our 
irrigation projects and associated equipment and are a cost factor 
included in calculating your operation and maintenance assessment.
    Operation and maintenance (O&M) assessment means the periodic 
charge you must pay us to reimburse costs of administering, operating, 
maintaining, and rehabilitating irrigation projects consistent with 
this notice and our supporting policies, manuals, and handbooks.
    Operation or operating costs mean costs we incur to operate our 
irrigation projects and equipment and are a cost factor included in 
calculating your O&M assessment.
    Past due bill means a bill that has not been paid by the close of 
business on the 30th day after the due date as stated on the bill. 
Beginning on the 31st day after the due date, we begin assessing 
additional charges accruing from the due date.
    Rehabilitation costs means costs we incur to restore our irrigation 
projects or features to original operating condition or to the nearest 
state which can be achieved using current technology and is a cost 
factor included in calculating your O&M assessment.
    Responsible party means an individual or entity that owns or leases 
land within the assessable acreage of one of our irrigation projects 
and is responsible for providing accurate information to our billing 
office and paying a bill for an annual irrigation rate assessment.
    Total assessable acres means the total acres served by one of our 
irrigation projects.
    Water delivery is an activity that is part of the irrigation 
service we provide our customers when water is available.
    We, us, and our means the United States Government, the Secretary 
of the Interior, the BIA, and all who are authorized to represent us in 
matters covered under this notice.

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

Why are you publishing this notice?

    We are publishing this notice to notify you that we propose to 
adjust our irrigation assessment rates. This notice is published in 
accordance with the BIA's regulations governing its operation and 
maintenance of irrigation projects, found at 25 CFR part 171. This 
regulation provides for the establishment and publication of the rates 
for annual irrigation assessments as well as related information about 
our irrigation projects.

What authorizes you to issue this notice?

    Our authority to issue this notice is vested in the Secretary of 
the Interior 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.

When will you put the rate adjustments into effect?

    We will put the rate adjustments into effect for the 2015 
irrigation season and subsequent years where applicable.

How do you calculate irrigation rates?

    We calculate annual irrigation assessment rates in accordance with 
25 CFR part 171.500 by estimating the annual costs of operation and 
maintenance at each of our irrigation projects and then dividing by the 
total assessable acres for that particular irrigation project. The 
result of this calculation for each project is stated in the rate table 
in this notice.

What kinds of expenses do you consider in determining the estimated 
annual costs of operation and maintenance?

    Consistent with 25 CFR part 171.500, these expenses include the 
following:
    (a) Salary and benefits for the project engineer/manager and 
project

[[Page 33281]]

employees under the project engineer/manager's management or control;
    (b) Materials and supplies;
    (c) Vehicle and equipment repairs;
    (d) Equipment costs, including lease fees;
    (e) Depreciation;
    (f) Acquisition costs;
    (g) Maintenance of a reserve fund available for contingencies or 
emergency costs needed for the reliable operation of the irrigation 
facility infrastructure;
    (h) Maintenance of a vehicle and heavy equipment replacement fund;
    (i) Systematic rehabilitation and replacement of project 
facilities;
    (j) Carriage Agreements for the transfer of project water through 
irrigation facilities owned by others;
    (j) Any water storage fees for non BIA-owned reservoirs, as 
applicable;
    (j) Contingencies for unknown costs and omitted budget items; and
    (k) Other expenses we determine necessary to properly perform the 
activities and functions characteristic of an irrigation project.

When should I pay my irrigation assessment?

    We will mail or hand-deliver your bill notifying you (a) the amount 
you owe to the United States and (b) when such amount is due. If we 
mail your bill, we will consider it as being delivered no later than 5 
business days after the day we mail it. You should pay your bill by the 
due date stated on the bill.

What information must I provide for billing purposes?

    All responsible parties are required to provide the following 
information to the billing office associated with the irrigation 
project where you own or lease land within the project's assessable 
acreage or to the billing office associated with the irrigation project 
with which you have a carriage agreement:
    (1) The full legal name of person or entity responsible for paying 
the bill;
    (2) An adequate and correct address for mailing or hand delivering 
our bill; and
    (3) The taxpayer identification number or social security number of 
the person or entity responsible for paying the bill.

Why are you collecting my taxpayer identification number or social 
security number?

    Public Law 104-134, the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 
requires that we collect the taxpayer identification number or social 
security number before billing a responsible party and as a condition 
to servicing the account.

What happens if I am a responsible party but I fail to furnish the 
information required to the billing office responsible for the 
irrigation project within which I own or lease assessable land or for 
which I have a carriage agreement?

    If you are late paying your bill because of your failure to furnish 
the required information listed above, you will be assessed interest 
and penalties as provided below, and your failure to provide the 
required information will not provide grounds for you to appeal your 
bill or any penalties assessed.

What can happen if I do not provide the information required for 
billing purposes?

    We can refuse to provide you irrigation service.

If I allow my bill to become past due, could this affect my water 
delivery?

    Yes. 25 CFR 171.545(a) states: ``We will not provide you irrigation 
service until: (1) Your bill is paid; or (2) You make arrangement for 
payment pursuant to Sec.  171.550 of this part.'' If we do not receive 
your payment before the close of business on the 30th day after the due 
date stated on your bill, we will send you a past due notice. This past 
due notice will have additional information concerning your rights. We 
will consider your past due notice as delivered no later than 5 
business days after the day we mail it. We follow the procedures 
provided in 31 CFR 901.2, ``Demand for Payment,'' when demanding 
payment of your past due bill.

Are there any additional charges if I am late paying my bill?

    Yes. We will assess you interest on the amount owed, using the rate 
of interest established annually by the Secretary of the United States 
Treasury (Treasury) to calculate what you will be assessed . You will 
not be assessed this charge until your bill is past due. However, if 
you allow your bill to become past due, interest will accrue from the 
original due date, not the past due date. Also, you will be charged an 
administrative fee of $12.50 for each time we try to collect your past 
due bill. If your bill becomes more than 90 days past due, you will be 
assessed a penalty charge of 6 percent per year, which will accrue from 
the date your bill initially became past due. Pursuant to 31 CFR 901.9, 
``Interest, penalties and administrative costs,'' as a Federal agency, 
we are required to charge interest, penalties, and administrative costs 
in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3717

What else will happen to my past due bill?

    If you do not pay your bill or make payment arrangements to which 
we agree, we are required to send your past due bill to the Treasury 
for further action. Under the provisions of 31 CFR 901.1, ``Aggressive 
agency collection activity,'' federal agencies should consider 
referring debts that are less than 180 days delinquent, and we must 
send any unpaid annual irrigation assessment bill to Treasury no later 
than 180 days after the original due date of the bill.

Who 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 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4169,
 Telephone: (503) 231-6702.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flathead, Irrigation Project...........  Ernest Moran, Superintendent,
                                          Pete Plant, Irrigation Project
                                          Manager, P.O. Box 40, Pablo,
                                          MT 59855, Telephones: (406)
                                          675-2700 x1300 Superintendent,
                                          (406) 745-2661 x2 Project
                                          Manager.
Fort Hall, Irrigation Project..........  Randy Thompson, Acting
                                          Superintendent, David
                                          Bollinger, Irrigation Project
                                          Manager, P.O. Box 220, Fort
                                          Hall, ID 83203-0220,
                                          Telephone: (208) 238-2301
                                          Superintendent.

[[Page 33282]]

 
Wapato, Irrigation Project.............  Edwin Lewis, Project
                                          Administrator, P.O. Box 220,
                                          Wapato, WA 98951-0220,
                                          Telephone: (509) 877-3155.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Rocky Mountain Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Darryl LaCounte, Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
 Rocky Mountain Regional Office, 316 North 26th Street, Billings,
 Montana 59101, Telephone: (406) 247-7943.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackfeet, Irrigation Project..........  Thedis Crowe, Acting
                                          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,
                                          Vacant, Irrigation Project
                                          Manager, P.O. Box 69, Crow
                                          Agency, MT 59022, Telephones:
                                          (406) 638-2672,
                                          Superintendent, (406) 638-
                                          2863, Irrigation Project
                                          Manager.
Fort Belknap, Irrigation Project.......  Sarah Fallsdown, Acting
                                          Superintendent, Vacant,
                                          Irrigation Project Manager,
                                          (Project operations &
                                          management 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,
                                          Vacant, Irrigation Project
                                          Manager, P.O. Box 158, Fort
                                          Washakie, WY 82514,
                                          Telephones: (307) 332-7810,
                                          Superintendent, (307) 332-
                                          2596, Irrigation Project
                                          Manager.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Southwest Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
William T. Walker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
 Southwest Regional Office, 1001 Indian School Road, Albuquerque, New
 Mexico 87104, Telephone: (505) 563-3100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pine River, Irrigation Project.........  Priscilla Bancroft, Acting
                                          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,
 Arizona 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 operations &
                                          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..............  Irene Herder, Superintendent,
                                          256 South Second Avenue, Suite
                                          D, Yuma, AZ 85364, Telephone:
                                          (928) 782-1202.
San Carlos, Irrigation Project, Indian   Ferris Begay, Project Manager,
 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.......  Marilyn Bitsillie, Acting
                                          Superintendent, 311 E.
                                          Washington Street, Carson
                                          City, NV 89701, Telephone:
                                          (775) 887-3500.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What irrigation assessments or charges are proposed for adjustment 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 
proposed rates for the 2015 season and subsequent years where 
applicable. An asterisk immediately following the name of the project 
notes the irrigation projects where rates are proposed for adjustment.
BILLING CODE 4337-15-P

[[Page 33283]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN11JN15.000


[[Page 33284]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN11JN15.001


[[Page 33285]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN11JN15.002

    * Notes irrigation projects where rates are proposed for 
adjustment.
    Note #1--The BIA reassumed Management and Operation of the 
Flathead Indian Irrigation Project in April 2014. The 2014 and 2015 
rates were established by the previous Project Operator and are 
considered final.

[[Page 33286]]

    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 2015 is proposed to be $107/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 2015 BIA rate is proposed to be $1.50/acre.
    Note #4--The construction water rate schedule proposes the fees 
assessed for use of irrigation water for non-irrigation purposes.
    The final 2015 rate for the SCIP-JW was established by Federal 
Register Notice on March 6, 2015 (80 FR 12197). This notice proposes 
the 2016 rate for the SCIP-JW. The Project recommended a rate of 
$30/acre for FY 2016. However, BIA recently completed a technical 
report indicating that the deferred maintenance costs for Coolidge 
Dam will be much higher than originally estimated. Therefore, this 
notice proposes to retain the $35/acre O&M rate for the Project in 
order to collect an additional $500,000 for Coolidge Dam deferred 
maintenance. The Project provided the technical report to the water 
users for review and comment.
    Note #5--The 2015 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 
proposed to be $45 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 $35.00 per acre. The third component is the 
O&M rate established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project Joint 
Control Board and is proposed to be $6 per acre.

Consultation and Coordination With Tribal Governments (Executive Order 
13175)

    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 will have no adverse effects on energy supply, 
distribution, or use (including a shortfall in supply, price increases, 
and increase use of foreign supplies) should the proposed rate 
adjustments be implemented. This is a notice for rate adjustments at 
BIA-owned and operated irrigation projects, except for the Fort Yuma 
Irrigation Project. The Fort Yuma Irrigation Project is owned and 
operated by the Bureau of Reclamation with a portion serving the Fort 
Yuma Reservation.

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. The rule does 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)

    The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not 
have significant ``takings'' implications. The rate adjustments do not 
deprive the public, state, or local governments of rights or property.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not 
have significant Federalism effects because they will not affect the 
States, the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among various 
levels of government.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In issuing this rule, 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 March 31, 
2016.

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)).

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: June 4, 2015.
Kevin K. Washburn,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2015-14211 Filed 6-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4337-15-P
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