Hydroelectric Power Development at Silver Jack Dam, Bostwick Park Project, Colorado, 64871-64873 [2018-27299]
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public record. 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.
Abstract: Reclamation collects
agency-wide recreation and concession
information to fulfill congressional
reporting requirements pursuant to
current public laws, including the
Federal Water Project Recreation Act (16
U.S.C. 460I), and the Federal Lands
Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C.
87). In addition, collected information
will permit relevant program
assessments of resources managed by
Reclamation, its recreation managing
partners, and/or concessionaires for the
purpose of contributing to the
implementation of Reclamation’s
mission. More specifically, the collected
information enables Reclamation to (1)
evaluate the effectiveness of program
management based on existing
recreation and concessionaire resources
and facilities, and (2) validate the
efficiency of resources for public use
within partner managed recreation
resources, located on Reclamation
project lands in the 17 Western States.
Title of Collection: Recreation Use
Data Report.
OMB Control Number: 1006–0002.
Form Number: Form 7–2534—
Recreation Use Data Report.
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: State,
local, or tribal governments; agencies
who manager Reclamation’s recreation
resources and facilities; and commercial
concessions, subconcessionaires, and
nonprofit organizations located on
Reclamation lands with associated
recreation services.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Respondents: 212.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 212.
Estimated Completion Time per
Response: 40 minutes.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 141 hours.
Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: 0.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
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unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Karl Stock,
Acting Director, Policy and Administration.
[FR Doc. 2018–27360 Filed 12–17–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4332–90–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
[RR04651000, 19XR0680G1,
RX.08605001.1000000]
Hydroelectric Power Development at
Silver Jack Dam, Bostwick Park
Project, Colorado
Bureau of Reclamation,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to accept
proposals, select lessee, and contract for
hydroelectric power development at
Silver Jack Dam.
AGENCY:
Current Federal policy allows
non-Federal development of electrical
power resource potential on Federal
water resource projects. The Bureau of
Reclamation (Reclamation) will
consider proposals for non-Federal
development of hydroelectric power at
Silver Jack Dam, a feature of the
Bostwick Park Project, located in
Colorado. Reclamation is considering
such hydroelectric power development
under a Lease of Power Privilege. No
Federal funds will be available for such
hydroelectric power development.
DATES: A written proposal and seven
copies must be submitted on or before
4:00 p.m. (MDT) May 17, 2019. A
proposal will be considered timely only
if it is received in the office of the Area
Manager on or before 4:00 p.m. on the
designated date. Interested entities are
cautioned that delayed delivery to this
office due to failures or
misunderstandings of the entity and/or
of mail, overnight, or courier services
will not excuse lateness and,
accordingly, are advised to provide
sufficient time for delivery. Late
proposals will not be considered.
ADDRESSES: Send written proposals to
Mr. Ed Warner, Area Manager, Western
Colorado Area Office, Bureau of
Reclamation, 445 West Gunnison
Avenue, Suite 221, Grand Junction,
Colorado 81501–5711, telephone (970)
248–0600.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical data, including past water
release patterns, may be obtained by
contacting Mr. Ryan Christianson, Water
SUMMARY:
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64871
Management Group Chief, Western
Colorado Area Office, Bureau of
Reclamation, 445 West Gunnison
Avenue, Suite 221, Grand Junction,
Colorado 81501, telephone (970) 248–
0652. Reclamation will be available to
meet with interested entities only upon
written request to the Water
Management Group Chief at the above
cited address. Reclamation will provide
an opportunity for a site visit. In
addition, Reclamation reserves the right
to schedule a single meeting and/or visit
to address the questions of all entities
that have submitted questions or
requested site visits. Information related
to the operation and maintenance
(O&M) of Silver Jack Dam may be
obtained by contacting Mr. Allen Distel,
Bostwick Park Water Conservancy
District, 400 South 3rd Street, Montrose,
Colorado 81402, telephone (970) 249–
8707.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Bostwick Park Project is a Federal
Reclamation project. This Notice
presents background information,
proposal content guidelines, and
information concerning selection of a
non-Federal entity to develop
hydroelectric power at Silver Jack Dam,
and power purchasing and/or marketing
considerations. Interested parties will
not need to file an application with the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
To be considered for selection, the
applicant’s proposed Lease of Power
Privilege (LOPP) project must not
impair the efficiency of Reclamation
project power or water deliveries,
impact the structural integrity of the
project, jeopardize public safety, or
negatively affect any other Reclamation
project purposes.
The Bostwick Park Project, located
near the town of Montrose in westcentral Colorado on the Cimarron River
in the Colorado River Basin, was
authorized for construction (including
hydropower) by the Colorado River
Basin Project Act of September 2, 1964
(Pub. L. 88–568), as a participating
project under the Colorado River
Storage Project Act of April 11, 1956
(Pub. L. 84–485). The Bostwick Park
Water Conservancy District (District),
under its contracts with the United
States, has certain operation,
maintenance, replacement, and
repayment responsibilities and
obligations concerning Silver Jack Dam.
Reclamation is considering
hydroelectric power development at
Silver Jack Dam under a LOPP. A LOPP
is an alternative to development under
a license from the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission. A LOPP is a
contractual right given to a non-Federal
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entity to use a Reclamation facility for
electric power generation consistent
with Reclamation project purposes.
Leases of power privilege have terms
not to exceed 40 years. The general
authority for LOPP under Reclamation
law includes, among others, the Town
Sites and Power Development Act of
1906 (43 U.S.C. Sec. 522), and the
Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (43
U.S.C. 485h(c)) (1939 Act).
Reclamation will be the lead Federal
agency for ensuring compliance with
the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) of any LOPP considered in
response to this Notice. Reclamation
will also lead necessary consultation
with American Indian Tribal
Governments and compliance with the
National Historic Preservation Act
(NHPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA),
and other related environmental
regulations for all elements of the
proposed project.
LOPPs may be issued only when
Reclamation has determined that NEPA
and any other regulatory compliance
requirements are completed. Any LOPP
at Silver Jack Dam must accommodate
existing contractual and environmental
commitments related to O&M of such
existing facilities. The lessee (i.e.,
successful proposing entity) will be
required to enter into a contract with
Reclamation. This contract will (1)
address requirements related to
coordination of operations and
maintenance with Bostwick Park Project
stakeholders (including the District) and
(2) stipulate that the LOPP lessee will be
responsible for any increase in
operations or maintenance costs that are
attributable to the hydroelectric power
development.
All costs incurred by the United
States related to development and O&M
under a LOPP, including NEPA and
other environmental regulatory
compliance, engineering reviews, and
development of the LOPP, would be the
expense of the lessee. In addition, the
lessee would be required to make
annual payments to the United States
for the use of a Federal facility at a rate
of 3 mills per kilowatt-hour of
generation. If conditions provide
opportunity for substantial benefits to
accrue to the lessee, then the United
States will benefit proportionally.
Under the LOPP, provisions will be
included for the mill rate to increase
each year commensurate with inflation
based on the average of the previous 5
years of the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) Price Deflator. If the 5-year GDP
Price Deflator average shows no change
or deflation, the LOPP rate will remain
the same as the previous year’s rate. The
rate of increase of the 5-year GDP Price
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Deflator average will be capped at 5
percent. Such annual payments to the
United States would be deposited as a
credit to the Upper Colorado River
Basin Fund, and are applied against the
total outstanding reimbursable
repayment obligation for reimbursable
project construction costs of the Federal
project, on which the LOPP is issued,
pursuant to the existing construction
cost allocation (not applied only against
power construction costs).
Proposal Content Guidelines
Interested parties should submit
proposals explaining in as precise detail
as is practicable how the hydropower
potential would be developed.
Minimum factors by which a proposal
will be scored and criteria evaluated
include the following:
(a) Anticipated contractual
arrangements with the District for the
Bostwick Park Project feature(s) that are
proposed for utilization in the
hydropower development under
consideration. Define how the
hydropower development would
operate in harmony with the multiple
purposes of the Bostwick Park Project
and existing applicable contracts related
to O&M of Bostwick Park Project
feature(s) being considered for
modification.
(b) Information regarding whether the
applicant qualifies as a preference
entity. If the proposal is made by a
group of entities or by a subdivision of
an entity, then the application must
explain whether and why the applicant
or applicants qualify as preference
entities. The term ‘‘preference entity,’’
as applied to a LOPP, means an entity
qualifying for preference under Section
9c of the 1939 Act as a municipality,
public corporation or agency, or
cooperative or other nonprofit
organization financed in whole or in
part by loans made pursuant to the
Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as
amended.
(c) Information relevant to the
qualifications of the proposing entity to
plan and implement such a project,
including but not limited to: Type of
organization; length of time in business;
experience in funding, design, and
construction of similar projects;
industry rating(s) that indicate financial
soundness and/or technical and
managerial capability; experience of key
management personnel; history of any
reorganizations or mergers with other
companies; and any other information
that demonstrates the interested entity’s
organizational, technical, and financial
ability to perform all aspects of the
work. Proposals will include a
discussion of past experience in
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developing, operating, and maintaining
similar facilities and provide references
as appropriate.
(d) Geographical locations and
descriptions of principal structures and
other important features of the proposed
development including roads and
transmission lines. Proposals must
estimate and describe installed capacity
and the capacity of the power facilities
under dry, average, and wet
hydrological conditions. Proposals must
also describe the daily, weekly,
monthly, and annual pattern of
expected generation under average, wet,
and dry hydrological conditions; the
ability of generation to provide ancillary
services such as regulation, spinning
reserves, and voltampere reactive
support; and information on the
reliability of the generation, potential
maintenance outage schedule, and
duration. If capacity and energy can be
delivered to another location, either by
the proposing entity or by potential
third party transmission agents, the
proposal must specify where that
capacity and energy can be delivered.
The proposal must describe the
concepts and contractual arrangements
(including the involved parties) related
to transmission interconnection, power
sales, and the proposed approach to
third party transmission if required.
(e) Existing title arrangements or a
description of the ability to acquire title
to or the right to occupy and use lands
necessary for the proposed LOPP
project, including such additional lands
as may be required during construction.
(f) A description of studies necessary
to adequately define impacts of the
proposed LOPP project on the Bostwick
Park Project, historic properties (if such
are present), and the environment. The
proposal must describe any significant
environmental issues associated with
the proposed LOPP project and the
proposing entity’s approach for
gathering relevant data and resolving
such issues to protect and enhance the
quality of the environment. The
proposal will explain any proposed use
of the LOPP project for conservation and
utilization of the available water
resources in the public interest.
(g) Plans for assuming liability for
damage to the operational and structural
integrity of the Bostwick Park Project
caused by construction, operation, and/
or maintenance of the hydropower
development.
(h) Identify the organizational
structure planned for the long-term
O&M of any proposed hydropower
development.
(i) A management plan, including
schedules of these activities as
applicable, to accomplish activities such
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 242 / Tuesday, December 18, 2018 / Notices
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as planning; NEPA compliance; NHPA
compliance; ESA compliance; necessary
studies; LOPP project development;
design, construction, safety plan, and
facility testing; and the start of
hydropower production.
(j) An estimate of development costs.
These costs will include all investment
costs such as the cost of studies to
determine feasibility; NEPA
compliance; NHPA compliance; ESA
compliance; other statutory compliance;
design; construction; financing as well
as the amortized annual cost of the
investment; annual O&M expense for
the hydropower development; lease
payments to the United States; expenses
associated with the Reclamation project;
and anticipated return on investment. If
there are additional transmission
expenses associated with the
development of the LOPP project, these
expenses must also be included. The
proposal must identify proposed
methods of financing the LOPP project.
The proposal must include an economic
analysis that compares the present
worth of all benefits and costs of the
hydropower development.
Selection of Lessee
Reclamation will evaluate proposals
received in response to this published
Notice. Reclamation may request
additional information from individual
proposing entities and/or all proposing
entities after proposals are submitted,
but prior to making a selection of a
lessee.
Reclamation will give more favorable
consideration to proposals that (1)
responsibly develop hydropower; (2)
avoid, reduce, or minimize
environmental impacts; (3) clearly
demonstrate that the offeror is qualified
to develop the hydropower facility and
provide for long-term O&M; and (4) best
share the economic benefits of the
hydropower development among parties
(including the United States) to the
LOPP. A proposal will be deemed
unacceptable if it is inconsistent with
Bostwick Park Project purposes, as
determined by Reclamation.
Reclamation will give preference to
those entities that qualify as preference
entities, as defined under Proposal
Content Guidelines, item (b) of this
Notice, provided that they are well
qualified to develop and provide for
long-term O&M of the hydropower
facility. If one applicant is a preference
entity and the other is not, and the
preference entity’s proposed plans are
not as well qualified as the nonpreference entity’s plans, Reclamation
will inform the preference entity of the
specific reasons why its plans are not as
well qualified and afford up to 30
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calendar days for the preference entity
to render its plans at least as well
qualified as the other plans. All other
applicants will be informed of this
action. If the plans of the preference
entity are rendered at least as well
qualified within the time allowed,
Reclamation will favor the preference
entity. If the preference entity’s plans
are not rendered at least as well
qualified within the time allowed,
Reclamation will favor the other
applicant.
Notice and Time Period To Enter Into
LOPP
Reclamation will notify, in writing, all
entities submitting proposals of
Reclamation’s decision regarding
selection of the potential lessee. The
selected potential lessee will be
provided a maximum of 24 months from
the date of selection to sign the
preliminary lease, complete the
requirements set forth in the
preliminary lease, and to sign the LOPP.
The lessee will have a maximum of 1
year from the date of the execution of
the LOPP to complete final designs,
specifications, etc., and an additional 1
year to begin construction. A maximum
of 4 years is allowed, from the date of
the preliminary lease to the beginning of
construction. Maximum timeframes for
construction will be determined by the
Upper Colorado Regional Director. The
above timeframes will only be extended
for just cause resulting from actions
and/or circumstances that are beyond
the control of Reclamation or the lessee.
Just cause and timeframe adjustments
will be determined solely by the Upper
Colorado Regional Director.
Dated: October 24, 2018.
Brent Rhees,
Regional Director, Upper Colorado Region.
[FR Doc. 2018–27299 Filed 12–17–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4332–90–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
[RR83550000, 190R5065C6,
RX.59389832.1009676]
Quarterly Status Report of Water
Service, Repayment, and Other WaterRelated Contract Actions
Bureau of Reclamation,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of contract actions.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given of
contractual actions that have been
proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation) and are new,
discontinued, or completed since the
SUMMARY:
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64873
last publication of this notice. This
notice is one of a variety of means used
to inform the public about proposed
contractual actions for capital recovery
and management of project resources
and facilities consistent with section 9(f)
of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939.
Additional announcements of
individual contract actions may be
published in the Federal Register and in
newspapers of general circulation in the
areas determined by Reclamation to be
affected by the proposed action.
ADDRESSES: The identity of the
approving officer and other information
pertaining to a specific contract
proposal may be obtained by calling or
writing the appropriate regional office at
the address and telephone number given
for each region in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section of this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle Kelly, Reclamation Law
Administration Division, Bureau of
Reclamation, P.O. Box 25007, Denver,
Colorado 80225–0007; telephone 303–
445–2888.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Consistent
with section 9(f) of the Reclamation
Project Act of 1939, and the rules and
regulations published in 52 FR 11954,
April 13, 1987 (43 CFR 426.22),
Reclamation will publish notice of
proposed or amendatory contract
actions for any contract for the delivery
of project water for authorized uses in
newspapers of general circulation in the
affected area at least 60 days prior to
contract execution. Announcements
may be in the form of news releases,
legal notices, official letters,
memorandums, or other forms of
written material. Meetings, workshops,
and/or hearings may also be used, as
appropriate, to provide local publicity.
The public participation procedures do
not apply to proposed contracts for the
sale of surplus or interim irrigation
water for a term of 1 year or less. Either
of the contracting parties may invite the
public to observe contract proceedings.
All public participation procedures will
be coordinated with those involved in
complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act. Pursuant to
the ‘‘Final Revised Public Participation
Procedures’’ for water resource-related
contract negotiations, published in 47
FR 7763, February 22, 1982, a tabulation
is provided of all proposed contractual
actions in each of the five Reclamation
regions. When contract negotiations are
completed, and prior to execution, each
proposed contract form must be
approved by the Secretary of the
Interior, or pursuant to delegated or
redelegated authority, the Commissioner
of Reclamation or one of the regional
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 18, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64871-64873]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27299]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
[RR04651000, 19XR0680G1, RX.08605001.1000000]
Hydroelectric Power Development at Silver Jack Dam, Bostwick Park
Project, Colorado
AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to accept proposals, select lessee, and
contract for hydroelectric power development at Silver Jack Dam.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Current Federal policy allows non-Federal development of
electrical power resource potential on Federal water resource projects.
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) will consider proposals for
non-Federal development of hydroelectric power at Silver Jack Dam, a
feature of the Bostwick Park Project, located in Colorado. Reclamation
is considering such hydroelectric power development under a Lease of
Power Privilege. No Federal funds will be available for such
hydroelectric power development.
DATES: A written proposal and seven copies must be submitted on or
before 4:00 p.m. (MDT) May 17, 2019. A proposal will be considered
timely only if it is received in the office of the Area Manager on or
before 4:00 p.m. on the designated date. Interested entities are
cautioned that delayed delivery to this office due to failures or
misunderstandings of the entity and/or of mail, overnight, or courier
services will not excuse lateness and, accordingly, are advised to
provide sufficient time for delivery. Late proposals will not be
considered.
ADDRESSES: Send written proposals to Mr. Ed Warner, Area Manager,
Western Colorado Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation, 445 West Gunnison
Avenue, Suite 221, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501-5711, telephone (970)
248-0600.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical data, including past water
release patterns, may be obtained by contacting Mr. Ryan Christianson,
Water Management Group Chief, Western Colorado Area Office, Bureau of
Reclamation, 445 West Gunnison Avenue, Suite 221, Grand Junction,
Colorado 81501, telephone (970) 248-0652. Reclamation will be available
to meet with interested entities only upon written request to the Water
Management Group Chief at the above cited address. Reclamation will
provide an opportunity for a site visit. In addition, Reclamation
reserves the right to schedule a single meeting and/or visit to address
the questions of all entities that have submitted questions or
requested site visits. Information related to the operation and
maintenance (O&M) of Silver Jack Dam may be obtained by contacting Mr.
Allen Distel, Bostwick Park Water Conservancy District, 400 South 3rd
Street, Montrose, Colorado 81402, telephone (970) 249-8707.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Bostwick Park Project is a Federal
Reclamation project. This Notice presents background information,
proposal content guidelines, and information concerning selection of a
non-Federal entity to develop hydroelectric power at Silver Jack Dam,
and power purchasing and/or marketing considerations. Interested
parties will not need to file an application with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission. To be considered for selection, the applicant's
proposed Lease of Power Privilege (LOPP) project must not impair the
efficiency of Reclamation project power or water deliveries, impact the
structural integrity of the project, jeopardize public safety, or
negatively affect any other Reclamation project purposes.
The Bostwick Park Project, located near the town of Montrose in
west-central Colorado on the Cimarron River in the Colorado River
Basin, was authorized for construction (including hydropower) by the
Colorado River Basin Project Act of September 2, 1964 (Pub. L. 88-568),
as a participating project under the Colorado River Storage Project Act
of April 11, 1956 (Pub. L. 84-485). The Bostwick Park Water Conservancy
District (District), under its contracts with the United States, has
certain operation, maintenance, replacement, and repayment
responsibilities and obligations concerning Silver Jack Dam.
Reclamation is considering hydroelectric power development at
Silver Jack Dam under a LOPP. A LOPP is an alternative to development
under a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A LOPP
is a contractual right given to a non-Federal
[[Page 64872]]
entity to use a Reclamation facility for electric power generation
consistent with Reclamation project purposes. Leases of power privilege
have terms not to exceed 40 years. The general authority for LOPP under
Reclamation law includes, among others, the Town Sites and Power
Development Act of 1906 (43 U.S.C. Sec. 522), and the Reclamation
Project Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)) (1939 Act).
Reclamation will be the lead Federal agency for ensuring compliance
with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of any LOPP
considered in response to this Notice. Reclamation will also lead
necessary consultation with American Indian Tribal Governments and
compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA),
Endangered Species Act (ESA), and other related environmental
regulations for all elements of the proposed project.
LOPPs may be issued only when Reclamation has determined that NEPA
and any other regulatory compliance requirements are completed. Any
LOPP at Silver Jack Dam must accommodate existing contractual and
environmental commitments related to O&M of such existing facilities.
The lessee (i.e., successful proposing entity) will be required to
enter into a contract with Reclamation. This contract will (1) address
requirements related to coordination of operations and maintenance with
Bostwick Park Project stakeholders (including the District) and (2)
stipulate that the LOPP lessee will be responsible for any increase in
operations or maintenance costs that are attributable to the
hydroelectric power development.
All costs incurred by the United States related to development and
O&M under a LOPP, including NEPA and other environmental regulatory
compliance, engineering reviews, and development of the LOPP, would be
the expense of the lessee. In addition, the lessee would be required to
make annual payments to the United States for the use of a Federal
facility at a rate of 3 mills per kilowatt-hour of generation. If
conditions provide opportunity for substantial benefits to accrue to
the lessee, then the United States will benefit proportionally.
Under the LOPP, provisions will be included for the mill rate to
increase each year commensurate with inflation based on the average of
the previous 5 years of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Price
Deflator. If the 5-year GDP Price Deflator average shows no change or
deflation, the LOPP rate will remain the same as the previous year's
rate. The rate of increase of the 5-year GDP Price Deflator average
will be capped at 5 percent. Such annual payments to the United States
would be deposited as a credit to the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund,
and are applied against the total outstanding reimbursable repayment
obligation for reimbursable project construction costs of the Federal
project, on which the LOPP is issued, pursuant to the existing
construction cost allocation (not applied only against power
construction costs).
Proposal Content Guidelines
Interested parties should submit proposals explaining in as precise
detail as is practicable how the hydropower potential would be
developed. Minimum factors by which a proposal will be scored and
criteria evaluated include the following:
(a) Anticipated contractual arrangements with the District for the
Bostwick Park Project feature(s) that are proposed for utilization in
the hydropower development under consideration. Define how the
hydropower development would operate in harmony with the multiple
purposes of the Bostwick Park Project and existing applicable contracts
related to O&M of Bostwick Park Project feature(s) being considered for
modification.
(b) Information regarding whether the applicant qualifies as a
preference entity. If the proposal is made by a group of entities or by
a subdivision of an entity, then the application must explain whether
and why the applicant or applicants qualify as preference entities. The
term ``preference entity,'' as applied to a LOPP, means an entity
qualifying for preference under Section 9c of the 1939 Act as a
municipality, public corporation or agency, or cooperative or other
nonprofit organization financed in whole or in part by loans made
pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended.
(c) Information relevant to the qualifications of the proposing
entity to plan and implement such a project, including but not limited
to: Type of organization; length of time in business; experience in
funding, design, and construction of similar projects; industry
rating(s) that indicate financial soundness and/or technical and
managerial capability; experience of key management personnel; history
of any reorganizations or mergers with other companies; and any other
information that demonstrates the interested entity's organizational,
technical, and financial ability to perform all aspects of the work.
Proposals will include a discussion of past experience in developing,
operating, and maintaining similar facilities and provide references as
appropriate.
(d) Geographical locations and descriptions of principal structures
and other important features of the proposed development including
roads and transmission lines. Proposals must estimate and describe
installed capacity and the capacity of the power facilities under dry,
average, and wet hydrological conditions. Proposals must also describe
the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual pattern of expected generation
under average, wet, and dry hydrological conditions; the ability of
generation to provide ancillary services such as regulation, spinning
reserves, and voltampere reactive support; and information on the
reliability of the generation, potential maintenance outage schedule,
and duration. If capacity and energy can be delivered to another
location, either by the proposing entity or by potential third party
transmission agents, the proposal must specify where that capacity and
energy can be delivered. The proposal must describe the concepts and
contractual arrangements (including the involved parties) related to
transmission interconnection, power sales, and the proposed approach to
third party transmission if required.
(e) Existing title arrangements or a description of the ability to
acquire title to or the right to occupy and use lands necessary for the
proposed LOPP project, including such additional lands as may be
required during construction.
(f) A description of studies necessary to adequately define impacts
of the proposed LOPP project on the Bostwick Park Project, historic
properties (if such are present), and the environment. The proposal
must describe any significant environmental issues associated with the
proposed LOPP project and the proposing entity's approach for gathering
relevant data and resolving such issues to protect and enhance the
quality of the environment. The proposal will explain any proposed use
of the LOPP project for conservation and utilization of the available
water resources in the public interest.
(g) Plans for assuming liability for damage to the operational and
structural integrity of the Bostwick Park Project caused by
construction, operation, and/or maintenance of the hydropower
development.
(h) Identify the organizational structure planned for the long-term
O&M of any proposed hydropower development.
(i) A management plan, including schedules of these activities as
applicable, to accomplish activities such
[[Page 64873]]
as planning; NEPA compliance; NHPA compliance; ESA compliance;
necessary studies; LOPP project development; design, construction,
safety plan, and facility testing; and the start of hydropower
production.
(j) An estimate of development costs. These costs will include all
investment costs such as the cost of studies to determine feasibility;
NEPA compliance; NHPA compliance; ESA compliance; other statutory
compliance; design; construction; financing as well as the amortized
annual cost of the investment; annual O&M expense for the hydropower
development; lease payments to the United States; expenses associated
with the Reclamation project; and anticipated return on investment. If
there are additional transmission expenses associated with the
development of the LOPP project, these expenses must also be included.
The proposal must identify proposed methods of financing the LOPP
project. The proposal must include an economic analysis that compares
the present worth of all benefits and costs of the hydropower
development.
Selection of Lessee
Reclamation will evaluate proposals received in response to this
published Notice. Reclamation may request additional information from
individual proposing entities and/or all proposing entities after
proposals are submitted, but prior to making a selection of a lessee.
Reclamation will give more favorable consideration to proposals
that (1) responsibly develop hydropower; (2) avoid, reduce, or minimize
environmental impacts; (3) clearly demonstrate that the offeror is
qualified to develop the hydropower facility and provide for long-term
O&M; and (4) best share the economic benefits of the hydropower
development among parties (including the United States) to the LOPP. A
proposal will be deemed unacceptable if it is inconsistent with
Bostwick Park Project purposes, as determined by Reclamation.
Reclamation will give preference to those entities that qualify as
preference entities, as defined under Proposal Content Guidelines, item
(b) of this Notice, provided that they are well qualified to develop
and provide for long-term O&M of the hydropower facility. If one
applicant is a preference entity and the other is not, and the
preference entity's proposed plans are not as well qualified as the
non-preference entity's plans, Reclamation will inform the preference
entity of the specific reasons why its plans are not as well qualified
and afford up to 30 calendar days for the preference entity to render
its plans at least as well qualified as the other plans. All other
applicants will be informed of this action. If the plans of the
preference entity are rendered at least as well qualified within the
time allowed, Reclamation will favor the preference entity. If the
preference entity's plans are not rendered at least as well qualified
within the time allowed, Reclamation will favor the other applicant.
Notice and Time Period To Enter Into LOPP
Reclamation will notify, in writing, all entities submitting
proposals of Reclamation's decision regarding selection of the
potential lessee. The selected potential lessee will be provided a
maximum of 24 months from the date of selection to sign the preliminary
lease, complete the requirements set forth in the preliminary lease,
and to sign the LOPP. The lessee will have a maximum of 1 year from the
date of the execution of the LOPP to complete final designs,
specifications, etc., and an additional 1 year to begin construction. A
maximum of 4 years is allowed, from the date of the preliminary lease
to the beginning of construction. Maximum timeframes for construction
will be determined by the Upper Colorado Regional Director. The above
timeframes will only be extended for just cause resulting from actions
and/or circumstances that are beyond the control of Reclamation or the
lessee. Just cause and timeframe adjustments will be determined solely
by the Upper Colorado Regional Director.
Dated: October 24, 2018.
Brent Rhees,
Regional Director, Upper Colorado Region.
[FR Doc. 2018-27299 Filed 12-17-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4332-90-P