Hon. Michael G. Oxley: “Mr. Speaker, S. 1236 extends the construction period for the Arrowrock Dam Hydroelectric Project in the State of Idaho.…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 1236 extends the construction period for the Arrowrock Dam Hydroelectric Project in the State of Idaho. Under section 13 of the Federal Power Act, project construction must begin within 4 years of issuance of the license. If construction has not begun by that time, FERC cannot extend the deadline and must terminate the license. S. 1236 authorizes the FERC to grant the project owner up to 6 additional years to commence construction in accordance with the good faith, due diligence, and public interest requirements of section 13 of the Federal Power Act. These types of bills have not been controversial in the past. The bill does not change the license requirements in any way and does not change environmental standards but merely extends the construction deadline. The construction deadline for the project expired in March 1999; and, unless Congress acts, FERC will terminate the license, the project owner will lose its investment, and the local community will lose jobs and revenues.”