James A. Leach: “H.R. 2165 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC] to extend the time required for commencement of…”

“H.R. 2165 authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC] to extend the time required for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in my district for a maximum of three consecutive 2-year periods. The project this legislation affects, FERC Project No. 3862, calls for the construction of a 27-megawatt hydropower facility on lock and dam 19 located on the Mississippi River adjacent to LeClaire, IA. Plans for deregulation of the power industry have temporarily halted the willingness of utilities to enter into long-term power purchase agreements. As a result, project coordinators do not anticipate being able to finalize power sales negotiations in time to meet the present February 28, 1998, deadline for beginning construction on the project. My understanding is that granting FERC the authority to extend the deadline for such projects has become a routine matter, and that FERC has indicated that it has no objection to the extension called for by H.R. 2165.”