Final Environmental Impact Statement Volume I, Main Text and Appendices A-J

Home Browse Search

COVER SHEET a. Title: The Kingsley Dam Project (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC] Project No. 1417) and North Platte/Keystone Diversion Dam Project (FERC Project No. 1835) near the confluence of the North and South Platte rivers, Nebraska b. Final Environmental Impact Statement C. Lead Agency: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission d. Abstract: Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (Central) seeks a new license for the existing Kingsley Dam Project (94 megawatt [MW]), and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) seeks a new license for the existing North Platte/Keystone Diversion Dam Project (24 MW). The projects, which share a 150 -mile reach of the Platte River in south - central Nebraska, are operated in a coordinated manner for irrigation, power generation, and recreation purposes. The projects are located immediately upstream of a reach of the Platte River designated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as critical habitat for the endangered whooping crane. In addition, as many as eight other species listed as threatened or endangered may be affected by project operations. The staff recommends that the Commission endorse and support the July 1997 basin -wide Cooperative Agreement signed by the Department of the Interior, the states of Colorado and Wyoming, The National Audubon Society, the Trust, American Rivers, Nebraska Wildlife Federation, and The Sierra Club. The Nebraska water users are also a party to the settlement and the State of Nebraska has endorsed it. This agreement addresses the resource issues of the central Platte River, and recommends the issuance of new licenses consistent with the Cooperative Agreement. e. Contact: Ms. Frankie Green Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street NE Washington, D.C. 20426 (202) 501 -7704 f. Transmittal: This Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the Commission's staff in connection with an application filed by Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District for Project No. 1417 and Nebraska Public Power District for Project No. 1835 is being made available to the public on or about July 24, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Commission's Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (18 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 380).