Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects, 105090-105095 [2024-30743]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices
the Interior through the Director of the
USGS on matters relating to the
responsibilities of the Office of Science
Quality and Integrity (OSQI) including
monitoring and enhancing the integrity,
quality, and health of all USGS science
through executive oversight and
development of strong practices, policy,
and supporting programs. Functional
areas in the OSQI include Scientific
Integrity; Science Quality; Fundamental
Science Practices; Office of Tribal
Relations; Youth and Education in
Science (YES); Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM);
Laboratories; Postdoctoral Research; and
Research and Equipment Development
Grade Evaluations of USGS scientists.
Additional information about the
Advisory Committee is available at:
Federal Advisory Committee for Science
Quality and Integrity, U.S. Geological
Survey.
Agenda Topics:
• Charter Focus Areas
—Identification of key science quality
and integrity processes to advance the
USGS mission.
—Effective mechanisms for engaging the
next generation USGS workforce and
others through the YES program and
with other federal agencies in STEM
and underserved communities.
—The nature and effectiveness of
mechanisms to provide oversight of
science quality within USGS
laboratories.
—Mechanisms that may be employed by
the USGS to ensure high standards of
science quality and integrity in its
programs and products.
• Subcommittee: Recommendation to
form a Subcommittee on Laboratory
Quality.
• Public Comment
Meeting Accessibility/Special
Accommodations: Please make requests
in advance for sign language interpreter
services, assistive listening devices,
language translation services, or other
reasonable accommodations. We ask
that you contact the person listed in the
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section of this notice at least ten (10)
business days prior to the meeting to
give the USGS sufficient time to process
your request. All reasonable
accommodation requests are managed
on a case-by-case basis. Seating for in
person attendees may be limited due to
room capacity. Webinar/conference line
instructions will be provided to
registered attendees prior to the
meeting.
Public Disclosure of Comments: There
will be an opportunity for public
comment during each day of the
meeting. Depending on the number of
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people who wish to speak and the time
available, the time for individual
comments may be limited. Written
comments may also be sent to the
Advisory Committee for consideration.
To allow for full consideration of
information by Advisory Committee
members, written comments must be
provided to Maggie Hardy (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section)
at least three (3) business days prior to
the meeting. Any written comments
received will be provided to Advisory
Committee members before the meeting.
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other
personally identifiable information (PII)
in your comment, you should be aware
that your entire comment—including
your PII—may be made publicly
available at any time. While you may
ask us in your comment to withhold
your PII from public review, we cannot
guarantee we will be able to do so.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. Ch. 10.
Margaret Hardy,
Designated Federal Officer, Advisory
Committee for Science Quality and Integrity.
[FR Doc. 2024–30746 Filed 12–23–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4338–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
[256A2100DD/AAKC001030/
A0A501010.999900]
Indian Gaming; Approval by operation
of Law Tribal-State Class III Gaming
Compacts in the State of California
Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
This notice announces the
approval by operation of law of TribalState gaming compacts (Compacts)
governing the operation and regulation
of class III gaming activities between the
State of California and the Campo Band
of Diegueno Mission Indians of the
Campo Indian Reservation, California;
Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of
the Sulphur Bank Rancheria, California;
La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission
Indians of the La Posta Indian
Reservation, California; Table Mountain
Rancheria, Timbisha Shoshone Tribe;
Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule
River Reservation, California.
DATES: The Compacts takes effect on
December 26, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Paula L. Hart, Director, Office of Indian
Gaming, Office of the Assistant
Secretary—Indian Affairs, Washington,
SUMMARY:
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DC 20240, IndianGaming@bia.gov; (202)
219–4066.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988,
25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., (IGRA) provides
the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary)
with 45 days to review and approve or
disapprove any Tribal-State compact
governing the conduct of class III
gaming activity on the Tribe’s Indian
lands. See 25 U.S.C. 2710(d)(8). If the
Secretary does not approve or
disapprove a Tribal-State compact
within the 45 days, IGRA provides the
Tribal-State compact is considered to
have been approved by the Secretary,
but only to the extent the compact is
consistent with IGRA. See 25 U.S.C.
2710(d)(8)(D). The IGRA also requires
the Secretary to publish a notice in the
Federal Register of the approved TribalState compacts for the purpose of
engaging in Class III gaming activities
on Indian lands. See 25 U.S.C.
2710(d)(8)(D). The Department’s
regulations at 25 CFR 293.4 require all
compacts and amendments to be
reviewed and approved by the Secretary
prior to taking effect.
The Secretary took no action on the
Compacts between the State of
California and the Campo Band of
Diegueno Mission Indians of the Campo
Indian Reservation, California; the Elem
Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the
Sulphur Bank Rancheria, California, the
La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission
Indians of the La Posta Indian
Reservation, California; the Table
Mountain Rancheria; the Timbisha
Shoshone Tribe; and the Tule River
Indian Tribe of the Tule River
Reservation, California, within the 45day statutory review period. Therefore,
the Compacts are considered to have
been approved, but only to the extent
they are consistent with IGRA. See 25
U.S.C. 2710(d)(8)(C).
Bryan Newland,
Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024–30744 Filed 12–23–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
[256A2100DD/AAKC001030/
A0A501010.999900]
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation
Projects
Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices
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 February 24,
2025.
ADDRESSES: All comments on the
proposed rate adjustments must be in
writing. You may send comments via
email to comments@bia.gov. Please
reference ‘‘Rate Adjustments for Indian
Irrigation Projects’’ in the subject line.
Or you may submit comments to the
Program Specialist, Division of Water
and Power, Office of Trust Services,
2021 4th Avenue North, Billings,
Montana 59101.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Leslie Underwood, Program Specialist,
Division of Water and Power, Office of
Trust Services, (406) 657–5985. For
details about a particular irrigation
project, please use the table in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section to
contact the BIA 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
proposed rates for calendar year (CY)
2026 for all irrigation projects.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
What is the meaning of the key terms
used in this notice?
In this notice:
Administrative costs mean 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 also ‘‘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,
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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 whom or 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 mean 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 is 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 means
costs we incur to operate our irrigation
projects and equipment and is 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
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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 mean 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 mean 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) for the irrigation project that
serves you. Please use the table in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section to
contact the regional or local office
where the project is located.
Why are you publishing this notice?
We are publishing this notice to
inform 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
proposed 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 CY 2026.
How do you calculate irrigation rates?
We calculate annual irrigation
assessment rates in accordance with 25
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices
CFR 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 171.500, these
expenses include the following:
(a) Personnel salary and benefits for
the project engineer/manager and
project 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) 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 five (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 the 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
delivered no later than five (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 are required to assess
interest, penalties, and administrative
costs on past due bills in accordance
with 31 U.S.C. 3717 and 31 CFR 901.9.
The rate of interest is established
annually by the Secretary of the United
States Treasury (Treasury) and accrues
from the date your bill is past due. If
your bill becomes more than 90 days
past due, you will be assessed a penalty
charge of no more than six percent per
year, which accrues from the date your
bill became past due. Each time we try
to collect your past due bill, you will be
charged an administrative fee of $12.50
for processing and handling.
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 transfer your
past due bill to Treasury for further
action. Pursuant to 31 CFR 285.12, bills
that are 120 days past due will be
transferred to Treasury.
Who can I contact for further
information?
The contact table below contains the
regional and project/agency contacts for
our irrigation facilities. Individuals in
the United States who are deaf,
deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY,
TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services.
Northwest Region Contacts
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Rudy Peone, Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest Regional Office, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232–4169.
Telephone: (360) 291–7684.
Flathead Indian Irrigation
Project.
Fort Hall Irrigation Project ....
Wapato Irrigation Project .....
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Eric Bruguier, Irrigation Project Manager, 220 Project Drive, St. Ignatius, MT 59865. Telephone: (406) 745–2661.
David Bollinger, Irrigation Project Manager, 36 Bannock Avenue, Fort Hall, ID 83203–0220. Telephone:(208)
238–1992.
Pete Plant, Project Administrator, 413 South Camas Avenue, Wapato, WA 98951–0220. Telephone: (509) 877–
3155.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices
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Rocky Mountain Region Contacts
Lorna Babby, Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, 2021 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101.
Telephone: (406) 247–7943.
Blackfeet Irrigation Project ...
Kenneth Bird, Superintendent, Greg Tatsey, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 880, Browning, MT 59417.
Telephones: Superintendent (406) 338–7544; Irrigation Project Manager (406) 338–7519.
Harold ‘‘Jess’’ Brien, Superintendent, Richard Taptto, Acting Irrigation Project Manager (BIA), (Project O&M performed by Water Users Association), P.O. Box 69, Crow Agency, MT 59022. Telephones: Superintendent (406)
638–2672; Acting Irrigation Project Manager (406) 698–5631.
Mark Azure, Superintendent, Richard Taptto, Acting Irrigation Project Manager (BIA), (Project O&M contracted to
Tribes under PL 93–638),158 Tribal Way, Suite B, Harlem, MT 59526. Telephones: Superintendent (406) 353–
2901; Irrigation Project Manager, Tribal Office (406) 353–8454.
Anna Eder, Superintendent, Richard Taptto, Acting Irrigation Project Manager (BIA), (Project O&M performed by
Fort Peck Water Users Association), P.O. Box 637, Poplar, MT 59255. Telephones: Superintendent (406) 768–
5312; Acting Irrigation Project Manager (406) 698–5631.
Leslie Shakespeare, Superintendent, Richard Taptto, Acting Irrigation Project Manager (BIA), (Project O&M for
Little Wind, Johnstown, and Lefthand Units contracted to Tribes under PL 93–638; Little Wind-Ray and Upper
Wind Units O&M performed by Ray Canal, A Canal, and Crowheart Water Users Associations), P.O. Box 158,
Fort Washakie, WY 82514. Telephones: Superintendent (307) 332–7810; Acting Irrigation Project Manager
(406) 698–5631.
Crow Irrigation Project .........
Fort Belknap Irrigation
Project.
Fort Peck Irrigation Project ..
Wind River Irrigation Project
Southwest Region Contacts
Patricia L. Mattingly, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southwest Regional Office, 1001 Indian School Road NW, Albuquerque, NM
87104. Telephone: (505) 563–3100.
Pine River Irrigation Project
Priscilla Bancroft, Superintendent, Vickie Begay, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O. Box 315, Ignacio, CO 81137–
0315. Telephones: Superintendent (970) 563–4511; Irrigation Project Manager (970) 563–9484.
Western Region Contacts
Jessie Durham, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western Regional Office, 2600 North Central Avenue, 4th Floor Mailroom, Phoenix,
AZ 85004. Telephone: (480) 535–1552.
Colorado River Irrigation
Project.
Duck Valley Irrigation Project
Davetta Ameelyenah, Superintendent, Gary Colvin, Irrigation Project Manager, 12124 1st Avenue, Parker, AZ
85344. Telephones: Superintendent (928) 669–7111; (928) 662–4392 Irrigation Project Manager.
Jane Jackson-Bear, Superintendent, (Project O&M compacted to Shoshone-Paiute Tribes under PL 93–638),
2719 Argent Avenue, Suite 4, Gateway Plaza, Elko, NV 89801. Telephones: Superintendent (775) 738–5165;
Tribal Office (208) 759–3100.
Maureen Brown, Superintendent, (Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) owns the Project and is responsible for O&M),
256 South Second Avenue, Suite D, Yuma, AZ 85364. Telephones: Superintendent (928) 782–1202; BOR
Area Office Manager (928) 343–8100.
Ferris Begay, Project Manager (BIA), Clarence Begay, Supervisory Civil Engineer (BIA), (Portions of Indian
Works O&M compacted to Gila River Indian Community under PL 93–638; Joint Control Board is responsible
for portions of Joint Works maintenance pursuant to Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act
of 2004, 118 Stat. 3499), 13805 North Arizona Boulevard, Coolidge, AZ 85128. Telephones: Project Manager
(520) 723–6225; Supervisory Civil Engineer (520) 723–6203; Gila River Indian Irrigation & Drainage District
(520) 562–6720; Joint Control Board (520) 562–9760, (520) 723–5408.
Antonio Pingree, Superintendent, Ken Asay, Irrigation System Manager (BIA), (Project O&M performed by Uintah
Indian Irrigation Project Operation and Maintenance Company), P.O. Box 130, Fort Duchesne, UT 84026. Telephones: Superintendent (435) 722–4300; Irrigation System Manager (435) 722–4344; Uintah Indian Irrigation
Operation and Maintenance Company (435) 724–5200.
Colleen Labelle, Superintendent, 311 East Washington Street, Carson City, NV 89701. Telephone: (775) 887–
3500.
Yuma Project, Indian Unit ....
San Carlos Irrigation Project
(Indian Works and Joint
Works).
Uintah Irrigation Project .......
Walker River Irrigation
Project.
What irrigation assessments or charges
are proposed for adjustment by this
notice?
The rate table below contains final CY
2025 rates for irrigation projects where
we recover costs of administering,
operating, maintaining, and
rehabilitating them. The table also
contains proposed CY 2026 rates for all
irrigation projects. An asterisk
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Project name
immediately following the rate category
notes irrigation projects where rates are
proposed for adjustment.
Final 2025
rate
Rate category
Proposed
2026 rate
Northwest Region Rate Table
Flathead Irrigation Project (See Note #1) .................................................
Fort Hall Irrigation Project ..........................................................................
Fort Hall Irrigation Project—Minor Units ....................................................
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Basic per acre—A * .........................
Basic per acre—B * .........................
Minimum Charge per tract * ............
Basic per acre * ...............................
Minimum Charge per tract * ............
Basic per acre * ...............................
Minimum Charge per tract * ............
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$39.00
19.50
75.00
66.50
43.00
45.50
43.00
$44.00
22.00
200.00
68.00
44.50
46.50
44.50
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices
Final 2025
rate
Project name
Rate category
Fort Hall Irrigation Project—Michaud Unit .................................................
Basic per acre * ...............................
Pressure per acre * ..........................
Minimum Charge per tract * ............
Minimum Charge per bill .................
Basic per acre .................................
Minimum Charge per bill .................
Basic per acre .................................
Minimum Charge per bill .................
‘‘A’’ Basic per acre ..........................
‘‘B’’ Basic per acre ..........................
Minimum Charge per bill .................
Basic per acre .................................
Minimum Charge per bill .................
Basic per acre .................................
Wapato Irrigation Project—Toppenish/Simcoe Units ................................
Wapato Irrigation Project—Ahtanum Units ................................................
Wapato Irrigation Project—Satus Unit .......................................................
Wapato Irrigation Project—Additional Works ............................................
Wapato Irrigation Project—Water Rental ..................................................
Proposed
2026 rate
75.50
117.00
43.00
28.00
28.00
35.00
35.00
100.00
86.00
92.00
100.00
87.00
100.00
100.00
77.50
120.00
44.50
28.00
28.00
35.00
35.00
100.00
86.00
92.00
100.00
87.00
100.00
100.00
Basic-per acre * ...............................
Basic-per acre * ...............................
21.50
30.00
22.00
34.00
Basic-per acre * ...............................
30.00
34.00
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
Basic-per
15.00
3.00
20.00
29.00
26.00
23.00
47.00
16.50
16.50
30.65
17.00
5.00
25.00
35.00
28.00
28.00
47.00
17.50
17.50
30.65
$75.00
24.00
$75.00
24.50
$69.00
$85.00
18.00
18.00
11.00
(+)
(+)
12.00
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
Rocky Mountain Region Rate Table
Blackfeet Irrigation Project .........................................................................
Crow Irrigation Project—Willow Creek O&M (includes Agency, Lodge
Grass #1, Lodge Grass #2, Reno, Upper Little Horn, and Forty Mile
Units).
Crow Irrigation Project—All Others (includes Bighorn, Soap Creek, and
Pryor Units).
Crow Irrigation Project—Two Leggins Unit ...............................................
Crow Irrigation Two Leggins Drainage District ..........................................
Fort Belknap Irrigation Project ...................................................................
Fort Peck Irrigation Project ........................................................................
Wind River Irrigation Project—Units 2, 3 and 4 ........................................
Wind River Irrigation Project—Unit 6 ........................................................
Wind River Irrigation Project—LeClair District (See Note #2) ..................
Wind River Irrigation Project—Crow Heart Unit ........................................
Wind River Irrigation Project—A Canal Unit .............................................
Wind River Irrigation Project—Riverton Valley Irrigation District (See
Note #2).
acre * ...............................
acre * ...............................
acre * ...............................
acre * ...............................
acre * ...............................
acre * ...............................
acre .................................
acre * ...............................
acre * ...............................
acre .................................
Southwest Region Rate Table
Pine River Irrigation Project .......................................................................
Minimum Charge per tract ..............
Basic-per acre * ...............................
Western Region Rate Table
Colorado River Irrigation Project ...............................................................
Duck Valley Irrigation Project ....................................................................
Yuma Project, Indian Unit (See Note #3) ..................................................
Basic per acre up to 5.75 acrefeet *.
Excess Water per acre-foot over
5.75 acre-feet.
Basic per acre * ...............................
Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre-feet ..
Excess Water per acre-foot over
5.0 acre-feet.
Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre-feet
(Ranch 5).
San Carlos Irrigation Project (Joint Works) (See Note #4) ........................................
Basic per acre *
$26.00 ...............
$28.00
Proposed 2026 Construction Water Rate Schedule:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Administrative Fee
Usage Fee ...........
Excess Water
Rate †.
San Carlos Irrigation Project (Indian Works) (See Note #5) .....................
Uintah Irrigation Project .............................................................................
Walker River Irrigation Project ...................................................................
Off Project
Construction ........
On Project
Construction— ...
Gravity Water ....
On Project
Construction—
Pump Water
$300.00 ...............
$250.00 per
month.
$5.00 per 1,000
gal.
$300.00 .............
No Fee ..............
$300.00
$100.00 per acre
foot
No Charge
No Charge .........
Basic per acre * ...............................
Basic per acre .................................
Minimum Bill ....................................
Basic per acre .................................
* Notes irrigation projects where rates are adjusted.
+ These rates have not yet been determined.
† The excess water rate applies to all water used in excess of 50,000 gallons in any one month.
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$93.85
25.00
25.00
32.00
$98.85
25.00
25.00
32.00
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices
105095
Note # 1: The Minimum Charge per tract for Flathead Irrigation Project is currently applied to parcels sized 2.00 acres or smaller. Starting in
2026, the Minimum Charge per tract is proposed to apply to parcels sized 4.54 acres or smaller.
Note # 2: O&M rates for LeClair and Riverton Valley Irrigation Districts apply to Trust lands that are serviced by each irrigation district. The annual O&M rates are based on budgets submitted by LeClair and Riverton Valley Irrigation Districts, respectively.
Note # 3: The O&M rate for the Yuma Project, Indian Unit has two components. The first component of the O&M rate is established by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the owner and operator of the Project. BOR’s rate, which is based upon the annual budget submitted by BOR, has
not been established for 2025 or 2026. The second component of the O&M rate is established by BIA to cover administrative costs, which includes billing and collections for the Project. The final 2025 BIA rate component is $4.50 per acre. The proposed 2026 BIA rate component is
$4.50 per acre.
Note # 4: The Construction Water Rate Schedule identifies fees assessed for use of irrigation water for non-irrigation purposes.
Note # 5: The O&M rate for the San Carlos Irrigation Project—Indian Works has three components. The first component is established by BIA
San Carlos Irrigation Project—Indian Works, the owner and operator of the Project; the final 2025 rate is $55.85 per acre, and proposed 2026
rate is $55.85 per acre. The second component is established by BIA San Carlos Irrigation Project—Joint Works; the final 2025 rate is $26.00
per acre, and proposed 2026 rate is $28.00 per acre. The third component is established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project Joint Control Board
(comprised of representatives from the Gila River Indian Community and the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District); the 2025 rate is $12.00
per acre, and 2026 rate is $15.00 per acre.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Consultation and Coordination With
Tribal Governments (Executive Order
13175)
The Department of the Interior strives
to strengthen its government-togovernment relationship with Indian
Tribes through a commitment to
consultation with Indian Tribes and
recognition of their right to selfgovernance and Tribal sovereignty. We
have evaluated this notice under the
Department’s consultation policy and
under the criteria of Executive Order
13175 and have determined there to be
substantial direct effects on federally
recognized Tribes because the irrigation
projects are located on or associated
with Indian reservations. To fulfill its
consultation responsibility to Tribes and
Tribal organizations, BIA
communicates, coordinates, and
consults on a continuing basis with
these entities on issues of water
delivery, water availability, and costs of
administration, operation, maintenance,
and rehabilitation of projects that
concern them. This is accomplished at
the individual irrigation project by
project, agency, and regional
representatives, as appropriate, in
accordance with local protocol and
procedures. This notice is one
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 proposed rate adjustments are not
a significant energy action under the
definition in Executive Order 13211. A
statement of energy effects is not
required.
Regulatory Planning and Review
(Executive Order 12866), as Amended
by Executive Order 14094)
These proposed rate adjustments are
not a significant regulatory action and
do not need to be reviewed by the Office
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of Management and Budget under
Executive Order 12866, as amended by
Executive Order 14094.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
These proposed 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 proposed rate adjustments do
not impose an unfunded mandate on
State, local, or Tribal governments in
the aggregate, or on the private sector,
of more than $130 million per year.
They do not have a significant or unique
effect on State, local, or Tribal
governments or the private sector.
Therefore, the Department is not
required to prepare a statement
containing the information required by
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Takings (Executive Order 12630)
These proposed rate adjustments do
not effect a taking of private property or
otherwise have ‘‘takings’’ implications
under Executive Order 12630. The
proposed rate adjustments do not
deprive the public, State, or local
governments of rights or property.
Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of
Executive Order 13132, these proposed
rate adjustments do not have sufficient
federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a federalism summary
impact statement because they will not
affect the States, the relationship
between the national government and
the States, or the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various
levels of government. A federalism
summary impact statement is not
required.
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Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order
12988)
This notice complies with the
requirements of Executive Order 12988.
Specifically, in issuing this notice, the
Department has taken the necessary
steps to eliminate drafting errors and
ambiguity, minimize potential litigation,
and provide a clear legal standard for
affected conduct as required by section
3 of Executive Order 12988.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
These proposed 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
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995. The OMB Control Number
is 1076–0141 and expires March 31,
2026.
National Environmental Policy Act
The Department has determined that
these proposed rate adjustments do not
constitute a major Federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment. A detailed
statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) is not required because the
proposed rate adjustments are of an
administrative, financial, legal,
technical, or procedural nature. (For
further information see 43 CFR
46.210(i)). We have also determined that
the proposed rate adjustments would
not involve any of the extraordinary
circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215
that would require further analysis
under NEPA.
Bryan Newland,
Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024–30743 Filed 12–23–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337–15–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 105090-105095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30743]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
[256A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900]
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 105091]]
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 February 24, 2025.
ADDRESSES: All comments on the proposed rate adjustments must be in
writing. You may send comments via email to [email protected]. Please
reference ``Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects'' in the
subject line. Or you may submit comments to the Program Specialist,
Division of Water and Power, Office of Trust Services, 2021 4th Avenue
North, Billings, Montana 59101.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie Underwood, Program Specialist,
Division of Water and Power, Office of Trust Services, (406) 657-5985.
For details about a particular irrigation project, please use the table
in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section to contact the BIA 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 proposed rates for calendar year (CY) 2026 for all
irrigation projects.
What is the meaning of the key terms used in this notice?
In this notice:
Administrative costs mean 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 also
``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 whom or 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 mean 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 is 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 means costs we incur to operate our
irrigation projects and equipment and is 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 mean 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 mean 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) for the irrigation
project that serves you. Please use the table in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section to contact the regional or local office where the
project is located.
Why are you publishing this notice?
We are publishing this notice to inform 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
proposed 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 CY 2026.
How do you calculate irrigation rates?
We calculate annual irrigation assessment rates in accordance with
25
[[Page 105092]]
CFR 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 171.500, these expenses include the
following:
(a) Personnel salary and benefits for the project engineer/manager
and project 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) 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
five (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 the 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 five (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 are required to assess interest, penalties, and
administrative costs on past due bills in accordance with 31 U.S.C.
3717 and 31 CFR 901.9. The rate of interest is established annually by
the Secretary of the United States Treasury (Treasury) and accrues from
the date your bill is past due. If your bill becomes more than 90 days
past due, you will be assessed a penalty charge of no more than six
percent per year, which accrues from the date your bill became past
due. Each time we try to collect your past due bill, you will be
charged an administrative fee of $12.50 for processing and handling.
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 transfer your past due bill to Treasury
for further action. Pursuant to 31 CFR 285.12, bills that are 120 days
past due will be transferred to Treasury.
Who can I contact for further information?
The contact table below contains the regional and project/agency
contacts for our irrigation facilities. Individuals in the United
States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech
disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rudy Peone, Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Northwest Regional Office, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4169.
Telephone: (360) 291-7684.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flathead Indian Irrigation Eric Bruguier, Irrigation Project
Project. Manager, 220 Project Drive, St.
Ignatius, MT 59865. Telephone: (406) 745-
2661.
Fort Hall Irrigation Project. David Bollinger, Irrigation Project
Manager, 36 Bannock Avenue, Fort Hall,
ID 83203-0220. Telephone:(208) 238-1992.
Wapato Irrigation Project.... Pete Plant, Project Administrator, 413
South Camas Avenue, Wapato, WA 98951-
0220. Telephone: (509) 877-3155.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 105093]]
Rocky Mountain Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lorna Babby, Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rocky
Mountain Regional Office, 2021 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101.
Telephone: (406) 247-7943.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackfeet Irrigation Project. Kenneth Bird, Superintendent, Greg
Tatsey, Irrigation Project Manager, P.O.
Box 880, Browning, MT 59417. Telephones:
Superintendent (406) 338-7544;
Irrigation Project Manager (406) 338-
7519.
Crow Irrigation Project...... Harold ``Jess'' Brien, Superintendent,
Richard Taptto, Acting Irrigation
Project Manager (BIA), (Project O&M
performed by Water Users Association),
P.O. Box 69, Crow Agency, MT 59022.
Telephones: Superintendent (406) 638-
2672; Acting Irrigation Project Manager
(406) 698-5631.
Fort Belknap Irrigation Mark Azure, Superintendent, Richard
Project. Taptto, Acting Irrigation Project
Manager (BIA), (Project O&M contracted
to Tribes under PL 93-638),158 Tribal
Way, Suite B, Harlem, MT 59526.
Telephones: Superintendent (406) 353-
2901; Irrigation Project Manager, Tribal
Office (406) 353-8454.
Fort Peck Irrigation Project. Anna Eder, Superintendent, Richard
Taptto, Acting Irrigation Project
Manager (BIA), (Project O&M performed by
Fort Peck Water Users Association), P.O.
Box 637, Poplar, MT 59255. Telephones:
Superintendent (406) 768-5312; Acting
Irrigation Project Manager (406) 698-
5631.
Wind River Irrigation Project Leslie Shakespeare, Superintendent,
Richard Taptto, Acting Irrigation
Project Manager (BIA), (Project O&M for
Little Wind, Johnstown, and Lefthand
Units contracted to Tribes under PL 93-
638; Little Wind-Ray and Upper Wind
Units O&M performed by Ray Canal, A
Canal, and Crowheart Water Users
Associations), P.O. Box 158, Fort
Washakie, WY 82514. Telephones:
Superintendent (307) 332-7810; Acting
Irrigation Project Manager (406) 698-
5631.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patricia L. Mattingly, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Southwest Regional Office, 1001 Indian School Road NW, Albuquerque, NM
87104. Telephone: (505) 563-3100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pine River Irrigation Project Priscilla Bancroft, Superintendent,
Vickie Begay, Irrigation Project
Manager, P.O. Box 315, Ignacio, CO 81137-
0315. Telephones: Superintendent (970)
563-4511; Irrigation Project Manager
(970) 563-9484.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jessie Durham, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western
Regional Office, 2600 North Central Avenue, 4th Floor Mailroom,
Phoenix, AZ 85004. Telephone: (480) 535-1552.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River Irrigation Davetta Ameelyenah, Superintendent, Gary
Project. Colvin, Irrigation Project Manager,
12124 1st Avenue, Parker, AZ 85344.
Telephones: Superintendent (928) 669-
7111; (928) 662-4392 Irrigation Project
Manager.
Duck Valley Irrigation Jane Jackson-Bear, Superintendent,
Project. (Project O&M compacted to Shoshone-
Paiute Tribes under PL 93-638), 2719
Argent Avenue, Suite 4, Gateway Plaza,
Elko, NV 89801. Telephones:
Superintendent (775) 738-5165; Tribal
Office (208) 759-3100.
Yuma Project, Indian Unit.... Maureen Brown, Superintendent, (Bureau of
Reclamation (BOR) owns the Project and
is responsible for O&M), 256 South
Second Avenue, Suite D, Yuma, AZ 85364.
Telephones: Superintendent (928) 782-
1202; BOR Area Office Manager (928) 343-
8100.
San Carlos Irrigation Project Ferris Begay, Project Manager (BIA),
(Indian Works and Joint Clarence Begay, Supervisory Civil
Works). Engineer (BIA), (Portions of Indian
Works O&M compacted to Gila River Indian
Community under PL 93-638; Joint Control
Board is responsible for portions of
Joint Works maintenance pursuant to Gila
River Indian Community Water Rights
Settlement Act of 2004, 118 Stat. 3499),
13805 North Arizona Boulevard, Coolidge,
AZ 85128. Telephones: Project Manager
(520) 723-6225; Supervisory Civil
Engineer (520) 723-6203; Gila River
Indian Irrigation & Drainage District
(520) 562-6720; Joint Control Board
(520) 562-9760, (520) 723-5408.
Uintah Irrigation Project.... Antonio Pingree, Superintendent, Ken
Asay, Irrigation System Manager (BIA),
(Project O&M performed by Uintah Indian
Irrigation Project Operation and
Maintenance Company), P.O. Box 130, Fort
Duchesne, UT 84026. Telephones:
Superintendent (435) 722-4300;
Irrigation System Manager (435) 722-
4344; Uintah Indian Irrigation Operation
and Maintenance Company (435) 724-5200.
Walker River Irrigation Colleen Labelle, Superintendent, 311 East
Project. 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 final CY 2025 rates for irrigation
projects where we recover costs of administering, operating,
maintaining, and rehabilitating them. The table also contains proposed
CY 2026 rates for all irrigation projects. An asterisk immediately
following the rate category notes irrigation projects where rates are
proposed for adjustment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final 2025 Proposed 2026
Project name Rate category rate rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwest Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flathead Irrigation Project (See Note #1)..... Basic per acre--A *............. $39.00 $44.00
Basic per acre--B *............. 19.50 22.00
Minimum Charge per tract *...... 75.00 200.00
Fort Hall Irrigation Project.................. Basic per acre *................ 66.50 68.00
Minimum Charge per tract *...... 43.00 44.50
Fort Hall Irrigation Project--Minor Units..... Basic per acre *................ 45.50 46.50
Minimum Charge per tract *...... 43.00 44.50
[[Page 105094]]
Fort Hall Irrigation Project--Michaud Unit.... Basic per acre *................ 75.50 77.50
Pressure per acre *............. 117.00 120.00
Minimum Charge per tract *...... 43.00 44.50
Wapato Irrigation Project--Toppenish/Simcoe Minimum Charge per bill......... 28.00 28.00
Units.
Basic per acre.................. 28.00 28.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Ahtanum Units...... Minimum Charge per bill......... 35.00 35.00
Basic per acre.................. 35.00 35.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Satus Unit......... Minimum Charge per bill......... 100.00 100.00
``A'' Basic per acre............ 86.00 86.00
``B'' Basic per acre............ 92.00 92.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Additional Works... Minimum Charge per bill......... 100.00 100.00
Basic per acre.................. 87.00 87.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Water Rental....... Minimum Charge per bill......... 100.00 100.00
Basic per acre.................. 100.00 100.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rocky Mountain Region Rate Table
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Blackfeet Irrigation Project.................. Basic-per acre *................ 21.50 22.00
Crow Irrigation Project--Willow Creek O&M Basic-per acre *................ 30.00 34.00
(includes Agency, Lodge Grass #1, Lodge Grass
#2, Reno, Upper Little Horn, and Forty Mile
Units).
Crow Irrigation Project--All Others (includes Basic-per acre *................ 30.00 34.00
Bighorn, Soap Creek, and Pryor Units).
Crow Irrigation Project--Two Leggins Unit..... Basic-per acre *................ 15.00 17.00
Crow Irrigation Two Leggins Drainage District. Basic-per acre *................ 3.00 5.00
Fort Belknap Irrigation Project............... Basic-per acre *................ 20.00 25.00
Fort Peck Irrigation Project.................. Basic-per acre *................ 29.00 35.00
Wind River Irrigation Project--Units 2, 3 and Basic-per acre *................ 26.00 28.00
4.
Wind River Irrigation Project--Unit 6......... Basic-per acre *................ 23.00 28.00
Wind River Irrigation Project--LeClair Basic-per acre.................. 47.00 47.00
District (See Note #2).
Wind River Irrigation Project--Crow Heart Unit Basic-per acre *................ 16.50 17.50
Wind River Irrigation Project--A Canal Unit... Basic-per acre *................ 16.50 17.50
Wind River Irrigation Project--Riverton Valley Basic-per acre.................. 30.65 30.65
Irrigation District (See Note #2).
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Southwest Region Rate Table
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Pine River Irrigation Project................. Minimum Charge per tract........ $75.00 $75.00
Basic-per acre *................ 24.00 24.50
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Western Region Rate Table
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Colorado River Irrigation Project............. Basic per acre up to 5.75 acre- $69.00 $85.00
feet *.
Excess Water per acre-foot over 18.00 18.00
5.75 acre-feet.
Duck Valley Irrigation Project................ Basic per acre *................ 11.00 12.00
Yuma Project, Indian Unit (See Note #3)....... Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre- ( + ) ( + )
feet.
Excess Water per acre-foot over ( + ) ( + )
5.0 acre-feet.
Basic per acre up to 5.0 acre- ( + ) ( + )
feet (Ranch 5).
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San Carlos Irrigation Project (Joint Works) (See Note #4).................................. Basic per acre * $26.00................. $28.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed 2026 Construction Water Rate Schedule:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Project On Project On Project
Construction............ Construction--......... Construction--
Gravity Water.......... Pump Water
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative Fee...... $300.00................. $300.00................ $300.00
Usage Fee............... $250.00 per month....... No Fee................. $100.00 per acre foot
Excess Water Rate $5.00 per 1,000 gal..... No Charge.............. No Charge
[dagger].
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Carlos Irrigation Project (Indian Works) Basic per acre *................ $93.85 $98.85
(See Note #5).
Uintah Irrigation Project..................... Basic per acre.................. 25.00 25.00
Minimum Bill.................... 25.00 25.00
Walker River Irrigation Project............... Basic per acre.................. 32.00 32.00
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* Notes irrigation projects where rates are adjusted.
+ These rates have not yet been determined.
[dagger] The excess water rate applies to all water used in excess of 50,000 gallons in any one month.
[[Page 105095]]
Note # 1: The Minimum Charge per tract for Flathead Irrigation Project is currently applied to parcels sized
2.00 acres or smaller. Starting in 2026, the Minimum Charge per tract is proposed to apply to parcels sized
4.54 acres or smaller.
Note # 2: O&M rates for LeClair and Riverton Valley Irrigation Districts apply to Trust lands that are serviced
by each irrigation district. The annual O&M rates are based on budgets submitted by LeClair and Riverton
Valley Irrigation Districts, respectively.
Note # 3: The O&M rate for the Yuma Project, Indian Unit has two components. The first component of the O&M rate
is established by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the owner and operator of the Project. BOR's rate, which is
based upon the annual budget submitted by BOR, has not been established for 2025 or 2026. The second component
of the O&M rate is established by BIA to cover administrative costs, which includes billing and collections
for the Project. The final 2025 BIA rate component is $4.50 per acre. The proposed 2026 BIA rate component is
$4.50 per acre.
Note # 4: The Construction Water Rate Schedule identifies fees assessed for use of irrigation water for non-
irrigation purposes.
Note # 5: The O&M rate for the San Carlos Irrigation Project--Indian Works has three components. The first
component is established by BIA San Carlos Irrigation Project--Indian Works, the owner and operator of the
Project; the final 2025 rate is $55.85 per acre, and proposed 2026 rate is $55.85 per acre. The second
component is established by BIA San Carlos Irrigation Project--Joint Works; the final 2025 rate is $26.00 per
acre, and proposed 2026 rate is $28.00 per acre. The third component is established by the San Carlos
Irrigation Project Joint Control Board (comprised of representatives from the Gila River Indian Community and
the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District); the 2025 rate is $12.00 per acre, and 2026 rate is $15.00
per acre.
Consultation and Coordination With Tribal Governments (Executive Order
13175)
The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its
government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes through a
commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their
right to self-governance and Tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this
notice under the Department's consultation policy and under the
criteria of Executive Order 13175 and have determined there to be
substantial direct effects on federally recognized Tribes because the
irrigation projects are located on or associated with Indian
reservations. To fulfill its consultation responsibility to Tribes and
Tribal organizations, BIA communicates, coordinates, and consults on a
continuing basis with these entities on issues of water delivery, water
availability, and costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and
rehabilitation of projects that concern them. This is accomplished at
the individual irrigation project by project, agency, and regional
representatives, as appropriate, in accordance with local protocol and
procedures. This notice is one component of our overall coordination
and consultation process to provide notice to, and request comments
from, these entities when we adjust irrigation assessment rates.
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211)
The proposed rate adjustments are not a significant energy action
under the definition in Executive Order 13211. A statement of energy
effects is not required.
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866), as Amended by
Executive Order 14094)
These proposed 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, as amended by Executive Order
14094.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
These proposed 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 proposed rate adjustments do not impose an unfunded mandate
on State, local, or Tribal governments in the aggregate, or on the
private sector, of more than $130 million per year. They do not have a
significant or unique effect on State, local, or Tribal governments or
the private sector. Therefore, the Department is not required to
prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Takings (Executive Order 12630)
These proposed rate adjustments do not effect a taking of private
property or otherwise have ``takings'' implications under Executive
Order 12630. The proposed rate adjustments do not deprive the public,
State, or local governments of rights or property.
Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, these
proposed rate adjustments do not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact
statement because they will not affect the States, the relationship
between the national government and the States, or the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. A
federalism summary impact statement is not required.
Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
This notice complies with the requirements of Executive Order
12988. Specifically, in issuing this notice, the Department has taken
the necessary steps to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity,
minimize potential litigation, and provide a clear legal standard for
affected conduct as required by section 3 of Executive Order 12988.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
These proposed 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 (OMB) under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The OMB Control Number is 1076-0141
and expires March 31, 2026.
National Environmental Policy Act
The Department has determined that these proposed rate adjustments
do not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment. A detailed statement under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required
because the proposed rate adjustments are of an administrative,
financial, legal, technical, or procedural nature. (For further
information see 43 CFR 46.210(i)). We have also determined that the
proposed rate adjustments would not involve any of the extraordinary
circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215 that would require further
analysis under NEPA.
Bryan Newland,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024-30743 Filed 12-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337-15-P
