Laserfiche WebLink
0 <br />COMMENTS OF CENTRAL NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER AND <br />IRRIGATION DISTRICT <br />the confluence with the Loup River.111 When developed, the <br />Basin -Wide Recovery Implementation Program is intended to <br />provide a "reasonable and prudent alternative" to avoid a <br />jeopardy finding under section 7 of the BSA, "so existing <br />water projects in the basin subject to section 7 <br />consultation . . . can continue to operate and receive any <br />required permits. . . . "IN The goal of the program is the <br />assignment of "fair, reasonable, proportionate, and agreed <br />upon" responsibilities for providing land and water <br />enhancements among the three states and their constituent <br />interests.'—" <br />While the program is under development,L-" DOI will <br />consider the MOA and progress made in developing the Basin - <br />Wide Recovery Implementation Plan as the principle basis for <br />"reasonable and prudent" alternatives to jeopardy findings <br />in section 7 consultation.2 Based upon the MOA, DOI has <br />already issued biological opinions for Colorado projects <br />finding "reasonable and prudent" alternatives to the <br />complete cessation of diversions by those projects. These <br />U/ MOA, Section I. <br />121 Za— The Basin -Wide Implementation Program will also <br />address future development. <br />Li LL <br />L' MOA, Section VII. The MOA is effective for one year, <br />but contains provisions for extending its duration if <br />"substantial progress" is being made toward development of <br />the Basin -Wide Implementation Program. <br />L1 MOA, Section IV. <br />- 8 - <br />RESPONSES TO CENTRAL NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER AND <br />IRRIGATION DISTRICT <br />