Extension of Cooperative Agreement for Platte Research

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Extension of the Cooperative Agreement for Platte River Research and Other Efforts Relating to Endangered Species Habitat Along the Central Platte River, Nebraska October 27, 2005 Background: A Cooperative Agreement outlining a proposed basinwide program (Program) was signed on July 1, 1997 by the Governors of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming and the Secretary of the Interior. The Cooperative Agreement specified the activities that were to be undertaken in a three-year period while a proposed program was being reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Governance Committee extended this initial three-year Cooperative Agreement for an additional six months (i.e., from July 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000) on February 24, 2000. This six-month extension was identified in the 1997 Cooperative Agreement as being available if needed to complete NEPA and ESA reviews and analyses. The Governance Committee approved a second Cooperative Agreement extension on December 15, 2000. This extension was for the period January 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003, again with a possible six-month additional extension if needed. Governors from the three states and the Secretary of the Interior all sent letters to the Governance Committee Chair concurring with this extension. The Governance Committee approved the second six-month extension from July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. Another extension was approved by the Governance Committee from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2005, with a possible six-month additional extension if needed. Again, the Governors from the three states and the Secretary of the Interior all sent letters to the Governance Committee Chair concurring with this extension. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) completed their review of the science related to the Platte River and Program target species April 2004. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was distributed for public comment on January 26, 2004. Current Situation: On May 17, 2005 the Governance Committee approved extending the Cooperative Agreement to December 31, 2005, as authorized in the December 9, 2003 Cooperative Agreement Extension Document, The Governance Committee and its subcommittees have made a diligent effort to complete all required activities and develop a proposed Program. Detailed drafts are completed or nearly completed for most sections of the Program Document. The Platte River Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Team and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have indicated that these drafts are sufficient for their analyses in the FEIS and Biological Opinion (BO). The FEIS is scheduled for release in December 2005 with the BO and Record of Decision anticipated in February 2006. Program approval and initial funding from the State and Federal Governments will be sought during the 2006 Legislative sessions. The Governance Committee will finalize all documents prior to Program implementation. October 27, 2005 Platte River Cooperative Agreement Extension