Hydropower Recreation Assistance (15.927)
Program
15.927 Hydropower Recreation Assistance
Federal Agency
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Authorization
Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 797-828c; Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, 16 U.S.C. 1271-1287 as amended, Public Law 90-542; Outdoor Recreation Act of 1963, 16 U.S.C. 4601-3, Public Law 88- 29.
Program Number
15.927
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To serve as a national technical resource to support government, industry, and nonprofit partnerships in ongoing consultations and negotiations about applications for hydropower licensing; to meet present and future outdoor recreation needs; to maintain and enhance a project's riparian areas.
Types of Assistance
Advisory Services and Counseling.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Staff assistance is available to stakeholders in FERC hydropower licensing proceedings to assist with recreation issues. Assistance is applicable to hydropower projects both within and outside units of the National Park System.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Private nonprofit organizations, Federal, State, and Local government agencies and hydropower licensing applicants.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Private nonprofit organizations, Federal, State, and Local government agencies and hydropower licensing applicants, as well as the general public.
Credentials/Documentation
Not applicable.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Program advice and information is available from the appropriate NPS Regional Office. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Contact the program leader for Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance in the appropriate NPS Regional Office.
Award Procedure
Decisions are based upon adherence to program criteria and the availability of staff.
Deadlines
Follows requirements of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; rolling.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Length of licensing process.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
National Park Service Rivers and Trails hydropower program has played a major role in licensing efforts through partnership approaches to river protection and outdoor recreation for responsible hydropower development.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1042-0-1-303.
Obligations
(Salaries and Expenses) FY 02 $806,000; FY 03 est $808,000; and FY 04 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable. Staff assistance only.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
An Annual Project Report is published each year and is available from NPS offices and on the Web. Assistance complies with Federal Energy Regulatory commission regulations for licensing nonfederal hydropower projects; 18 CFR Parts 4 and 16.
Related Programs
15.921, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance; 15.916, Outdoor Recreation_Acquisition, Development and Planning.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Applicants are requested to communicate with National Park Service Regional Offices. See Appendix IV in the Catalog or www.nps.gov/rtca.
Headquarters Office
Rivers and Hydro Leader, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW. (MS- 3622-MIS), Washington, DC 20240. Telephone: (202) 565-1200.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Lower Chippewa River Settlement Agreement, WI--Technical assistance in establishing recreational flows, recreational facility planning, protection of riparian land and open space, and settlement agreement negotiations between Northern States Power Co. (D.B.A. Xcel Energy), City of Eau Claire, WI, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Lake Holcombe Improvement Association, Inc., Lake Wissota Improvement Association, Lower Chippewa Restoration Coalition, Inc., Chippewa Rod and Gun Club, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the National Park Service.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Project should have clear opportunity to enhance recreation and lead to tangible conservation of significant natural and cultural resources.
