Contract negotiations: Tabulation of water service and repayment; quarterly status report,

[Federal Register: February 28, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 40)]

[Notices]

[Page 9715-9722]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr28fe03-142]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation

Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Negotiations

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of contractual actions that have been proposed to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and were pending through December 31, 2002, and contract actions that have been completed or discontinued since the last publication of this notice on November 15, 2002. From the date of this publication, future quarterly notices during this calendar year will be limited to new, modified, discontinued, or completed contract actions. This annual notice should be used as a point of reference to identify changes in future notices. This notice is one of a variety of means used to inform the public about proposed contractual actions for capital recovery and management of project resources and facilities. Additional Reclamation announcements of individual contract actions may be published in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the areas determined by Reclamation to be affected by the proposed action. Announcements may be in the form of news releases, legal notices, official letters, memorandums, or other forms of written material. Meetings, workshops, and/or hearings may also be used, as appropriate, to provide local publicity. The public participation procedures do not apply to proposed contracts for sale of surplus or interim irrigation water for a term of 1 year or less. Either of the contracting parties may invite the public to observe contract proceedings. All public participation procedures will be coordinated with those involved in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act.

ADDRESSES: The identity of the approving officer and other information pertaining to a specific contract proposal may be obtained by calling or writing the appropriate regional office at the address and telephone number given for each region in the supplementary information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandra L. Simons, Manager, Water Contracts and Repayment Office, Bureau of Reclamation, PO Box 25007, Denver, Colorado 80225-0007; telephone 303-445-2902.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Consistent with section 226 of the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (96 Stat. 1273) and 43 CFR 426.20 of the rules and regulations published in 52 FR 11954, Apr. 13, 1987, Reclamation will publish notice of the proposed or amendatory contract actions for any contract for the delivery of project water for authorized uses in newspapers of general circulation in the affected area at least 60 days prior to contract execution. Pursuant to the ``Final Revised Public Participation Procedures'' for water resource- related contract negotiations, published in 47 FR 7763, Feb. 22, 1982, a tabulation is provided of all proposed contractual actions in each of the five Reclamation regions. Each proposed action is, or is expected to be, in some stage of the contract negotiation process in 2003. When contract negotiations are completed, and prior to execution, each proposed contract form must be approved by the Secretary of the Interior, or pursuant to delegated or redelegated authority, the Commissioner of Reclamation or one of the regional directors. In some instances, congressional review and approval of a report, water rate, or other terms and conditions of the contract may be involved.

Public participation in and receipt of comments on contract proposals will be facilitated by adherence to the following procedures:

1. Only persons authorized to act on behalf of the contracting entities may negotiate the terms and conditions of a specific contract proposal.

2. Advance notice of meetings or hearings will be furnished to those parties that have made a timely written request for such notice to the

   [[Page 9716]]

   appropriate regional or project office of Reclamation.

3. Written correspondence regarding proposed contracts may be made available to the general public pursuant to the terms and procedures of the Freedom of Information Act (80 Stat. 383), as amended.

4. Written comments on a proposed contract or contract action must be submitted to the appropriate regional officials at the locations and within the time limits set forth in the advance public notices.

5. All written comments received and testimony presented at any public hearings will be reviewed and summarized by the appropriate regional office for use by the contract approving authority.

6. Copies of specific proposed contracts may be obtained from the appropriate regional director or his designated public contact as they become available for review and comment.

7. In the event modifications are made in the form of a proposed contract, the appropriate regional director shall determine whether republication of the notice and/or extension of the comment period is necessary.

   Factors considered in making such a determination shall include, but are not limited to: (i) the significance of the modification, and (ii) the degree of public interest which has been expressed over the course of the negotiations. As a minimum, the regional director shall furnish revised contracts to all parties who requested the contract in response to the initial public notice.

   Acronym Definitions Used Herein

   BON--Basis of Negotiation BCP--Boulder Canyon Project Reclamation--Bureau of Reclamation CAP--Central Arizona Project CUP--Central Utah Project CVP--Central Valley Project CRSP--Colorado River Storage Project D&MC--Drainage and Minor Construction FR--Federal Register IDD--Irrigation and Drainage District ID--Irrigation District M&I--Municipal and Industrial NEPA--National Environmental Policy Act O&M--Operation and Maintenance P-SMBP--Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program PPR--Present Perfected Right RRA--Reclamation Reform Act R&B--Rehabilitation and Betterment SOD--Safety of Dams SRPA--Small Reclamation Projects Act WCUA--Water Conservation and Utilization Act WD--Water District

   Pacific Northwest Region: Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise, Idaho 83706-1234, telephone 208-378-5223.

1. Irrigation, M&I, and Miscellaneous Water Users; Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming: Temporary or interim water service contracts for irrigation, M&I, or miscellaneous use to provide up to 10,000 acre-feet of water annually for terms up to 5 years; long-term contracts for similar service for up to 1,000 acre-feet of water annually.

2. Rogue River Basin Water Users, Rogue River Basin Project, Oregon: Water service contracts; $8 per acre-foot per annum.

3. Willamette Basin Water Users, Willamette Basin Project, Oregon: Water service contracts; $8 per acre-foot per annum.

4. Pioneer Ditch Company, Boise Project, Idaho; Clark and Edwards Canal and Irrigation Company, Enterprise Canal Company, Ltd., Lenroot Canal Company, Liberty Park Canal Company, Poplar ID, all in the Minidoka Project, Idaho; Juniper Flat District Improvement Company, Wapinitia Project, Oregon: Amendatory repayment and water service contracts; purpose is to conform to the RRA.

5. Bridgeport ID, Chief Joseph Dam Project, Washington: Warren Act contract for the use of an irrigation outlet in Chief Joseph Dam.

6. Palmer Creek Water District Improvement Company, Willamette Basin Project, Oregon: Irrigation water service contract for approximately 13,000 acre-feet.

7. North Unit ID and or city of Madras, Deschutes Project, Oregon: Long-term municipal water service contract for provision of approximately 125 acre-feet annually from the project water supply to the city of Madras.

8. North Unit ID, Baker Project, Oregon: Warren Act contract with cost of service charge to allow for use of project facilities to store nonproject water.

9. Baker Valley ID, Baker Project, Oregon: Warren Act contract with cost of service charge to allow for use of project facilities to store nonproject water.

10. Trendwest Resorts, Yakima Project, Washington: Long-term water exchange contract for assignment of Teanaway River and Big Creek water rights to Reclamation for instream flow use in exchange for annual use of up to 3,500 acre-feet of water from Cle Elum Reservoir for a proposed resort development.

11. City of Cle Elum, Yakima Project, Washington: Contract for up to 2,170 acre-feet of water for municipal use.

12. Burley ID, Minidoka Project, Idaho-Wyoming: Supplemental and amendatory contract providing for the transfer of O&M of the headworks of the Main South Side Canal and works incidental thereto.

13. Minidoka ID, Minidoka Project, Idaho-Wyoming: Supplemental and amendatory contract providing for the transfer of O&M of the headworks of the Main North Side Canal and works incidental thereto.

14. Fremont-Madison ID, Minidoka Project, Idaho-Wyoming: Repayment contract for reimbursable cost of SOD modifications to Grassy Lake Dam.

15. Queener Irrigation Improvement District, Willamette Basin Project, Oregon: Renewal of long-term water service contract to provide up to 2,150 acre-feet of stored water from the Willamette Basin Project (a Corps of Engineers' project) for the purpose of irrigation within the District's service area.

16. Vale ID and Warm Springs IDs, Vale Project, Oregon: Repayment contract for reimbursable cost of SOD modifications to Warm Springs Dam.

17. Hermiston, Stanfield, and West Extension IDs, Umatilla Project, Oregon: Amendatory repayment contracts for long-term boundary expansions to include lands outside of federally recognized district boundaries.

18. Emmett ID and 12 individual contract spaceholders, Boise Project, Payette Division, Idaho: Repayment agreements or contracts for reimbursable costs of SOD modifications to Deadwood Dam.

19. Greenberry ID, Willamette Basin Project, Oregon: Irrigation water service contract for approximately 7,500 acre-feet of project water.

20. Twenty-three irrigation districts of the Arrowrock Division, Boise Project, Idaho: Repayment agreements with districts with spaceholder contracts for repayment, per legislation, of reimbursable share of costs to rehabilitate Arrowrock Dam Outlet Gates under the O&M program.

    The following action has been completed since the last publication of this notice on November 15, 2002:

1. (16) Twenty-two irrigation districts of the Storage Division, Yakima Project, Washington: Repayment agreements for the reimbursable cost of SOD modifications to Keechelus Dam. Completed repayment agreements with 21 of 22 contracts. Remaining action withdrawn.

   Mid-Pacific Region: Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way,

   [[Page 9717]]

   Sacramento, California 95825-1898, telephone 916-978-5250.

1. Irrigation water districts, individual irrigators, M&I and miscellaneous water users, Mid-Pacific Region projects other than CVP: Temporary (interim) water service contracts for available Project water for irrigation, M&I, or fish and wildlife purposes providing up to 10,000 acre-feet of water annually for terms up to 5 years; temporary Warren Act contracts for use of Project facilities for terms up to 1 year; temporary conveyance agreements with the State of California for various purposes; long-term contracts for similar service for up to 1,000 acre-feet annually. Note. Upon written request, copies of the standard forms of temporary water service contracts for the various types of service are available from the Regional Director at the address shown above.

2. Contractors from the American River Division, Cross Valley Canal, Delta Division, Friant Division, Sacramento River Division, San Felipe Division, Shasta Division, Trinity River Division, and West San Joaquin Division, CVP, California: Early renewal of existing long-term contracts; long-term renewal of the interim renewal water service contracts expiring in 2003; water quantities for these contracts total in excess of 3.4M acre-feet. These contract actions will be accomplished through long-term renewal contracts pursuant to Pub. L. 102-575. Prior to completion of negotiation of long-term renewal contracts, existing interim renewal water service contracts may be renewed through successive interim renewal of contracts.

3. Redwood Valley County WD, SRPA, California: Restructuring the repayment schedule pursuant to Pub. L. 100-516.

4. El Dorado County Water Agency, CVP, California: M&I water service contract to supplement existing water supply: 15,000 acre-feet for El Dorado County Water Agency authorized by Pub. L. 101-514.

5. Sutter Extension and Biggs-West Gridley WDs, Buena Vista Water Storage District, and the State of California Department of Water Resources, CVP, California: Pursuant to Pub. L. 102-575, conveyance agreements for the purpose of wheeling refuge water supplies and funding District facility improvements and exchange agreements to provide water for refuge and private wetlands.

6. Mountain Gate Community Services District, CVP, California: Amendment of existing long-term water service contract to include right to renew. This amendment will also conform the contract to current Reclamation law, including Pub. L. 102-575.

7. CVP Service Area, California: Temporary water purchase agreements for acquisition of 20,000 to 200,000 acre-feet of water for fish and wildlife purposes as authorized by the Central Valley Project Improvement Act for terms of up to 3 years.

8. City of Roseville, CVP, California: Execution of long-term Warren Act contract for conveyance of nonproject water provided from the Placer County Water Agency. This contract will allow CVP facilities to be used to deliver nonproject water to the City of Roseville for use within their service area.

9. Sacramento Municipal Utility District, CVP, California: Amendment of existing water service contract to allow for additional points of diversion and assignment of up to 30,000 acre-feet of project water to the Sacramento County Water Agency. The amended contract will conform to current Reclamation law.

10. Mercy Springs WD, CVP, California: Partial assignment of about 7,000 acre-feet of Mercy Springs WD's water service contract to Westlands WD for agricultural use.

11. Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board, Cachuma Project, California: Temporary interim contract (not to exceed 1 year) to transfer O&M responsibility of certain Cachuma Project facilities to member units.

12. M&T, Inc., Sacramento River Water Rights Contractors, CVP, California: A proposed exchange agreement with M&T, Inc., to take Butte Creek water rights water from the Sacramento River in exchange for CVP water to facilitate habitat restoration.

13. El Dorado ID, CVP, California: Execution of long-term Warren Act contract for conveyance of nonproject water. This contract will allow CVP facilities to be used to deliver nonproject water to the El Dorado ID for use within their service area.

14. Horsefly, Klamath, Langell Valley, and Tulelake IDs, Klamath Project, Oregon: SOD repayment of applicable costs. These districts will share in repayment of costs and each district will have a separate contract. Initial contract should be ready by April 2003.

15. Casitas Municipal WD, Ventura Project, California: Repayment contract for SOD work on Casitas Dam.

16. Warren Act Contracts, CVP, California: Execution of long-term Warren Act contracts (up to 25 years) with various entities for conveyance of nonproject water in the Delta-Mendota Canal and the Friant Division facilities.

17. Tuolumne Utilities District (formerly Tuolumne Regional WD), CVP, California: Long-term water service contract for up to 9,000 acre- feet from New Melones Reservoir, and possibly long-term contract for storage of nonproject water in New Melones Reservoir.

18. Banta Carbona ID, CVP, California: Long-term Warren Act contract for conveyance of nonproject water in the Delta-Mendota Canal.

19. Plain View WD, CVP, California: Long-term Warren Act contract for conveyance of nonproject water in the Delta-Mendota Canal.

20. City of Redding, CVP, California: Amend water service contract No. 14-06-200-5272A, for the purpose of renegotiating the provisions of contract Article 15, ``Water Shortage and Apportionment,'' to conform to current CVP M&I water shortage policy.

21. Byron-Bethany ID, CVP, California: Long-term Warren Act contract for conveyance of nonproject water in the Delta-Mendota Canal.

22. Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, CVP, California: Execution of a long-term Operations Agreement for flood control operations of Folsom Dam and Reservoir to allow for recovery of costs associated with operating a variable flood control pool of 400,000 to 670,000 acre-feet of water during the flood control season. This agreement is to conform to Federal law.

23. Lower Tule River, Porterville, and Vandalia IDs, and Pioneer Water Company, Success Project, California: Repayment contract for SOD costs assigned to the irrigation purpose of Success Dam.

24. Colusa County WD, CVP, California: Proposed long-term Warren Act contract for conveyance of up to 4,500 acre-feet of ground water through the Tehama-Colusa Canal.

25. Friant Water Users Authority and San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority, CVP, California: Amendments to the Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement and Certain Financial and Administrative Activities' Agreements to implement certain changes to the Direct Funding provisions to comply with applicable Federal law.

26. Madera-Chowchilla Water and Power Authority, CVP, California: Agreement to transfer the operation, maintenance, and replacement and certain financial and administrative activities related to the Madera Canal and associated works.

27. El Dorado ID, CVP, California: Title transfer agreement for conveyance of CVP facilities. This agreement will allow transfer of title for Sly Park Dam, Jenkinson Lake, and appurtenant facilities from the CVP to El Dorado ID.

    [[Page 9718]]

28. Foresthill Public Utility District, CVP, California: Title transfer agreement for conveyance of CVP facilities. This agreement will allow transfer of title for Sugar Pine Dam and appurtenant facilities from the CVP to Foresthill Public Utility District.

29. Carpinteria WD, Cachuma Project, California: Contract to transfer title of distribution system to the District. Title transfer subject to Congressional ratification.

30. Montecito WD, Cachuma Project, California: Contract to transfer title of distribution system to the District. Title transfer subject to Congressional ratification.

31. City of Vallejo, Solano Project, California: Execution of long- term Warren Act contract for conveyance of nonproject water. This contract will allow Solano Project facilities to be used to deliver nonproject water to the City of Vallejo for use within their service area.

32. Sacramento Suburban WD (formerly Northridge WD), CVP, California: Execution of long-term Warren Act contract for conveyance of nonproject water. This contract will allow CVP facilities to be used to deliver nonproject water to the Sacramento Suburban WD for use within their service area.

33. Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Town of Fernley, State of California, City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County, State of Nevada, Truckee-Carson ID, and any other local interest or Native American Tribal Interest, who may have negotiated rights under Pub. L. 101-618; Nevada and California: Contract for the storage of non-Federal water in Truckee River reservoirs as authorized by Pub. L. 101-618 and the Preliminary Settlement Agreement. The contracts shall be consistent with the Truckee River Water Quality Settlement Agreement and the terms and conditions of the proposed Truckee River Operating Agreement.

34. Contra Costa WD, CVP, California: Amend water service contract No. I75r-3401A to extend the date for renegotiation of the provisions of contract Article 12 ``Water Shortage and Apportionment.''

35. Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board, Cachuma Project, California: Long-term contract to transfer responsibility for O&M and O&M funding of certain Cachuma Project facilities to the member units.

36. Sacramento River Settlement Contracts, CVP, California: Up to 145 contracts and one contract with Colusa Drain Mutual Water Company will be renewed; water quantities for these contracts total 2.2M acre- feet. Colusa Drain Mutual Water Company will be renewed for a period of 25 years, and the rest will be renewed for a period of 40 years. These contracts reflect an agreement to settle the dispute over water rights' claims on the Sacramento River.

37. San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Delta Division, CVP, California: Renewal of the long- term water service contract for up to 850 acre-feet with conveyance through the California State Aqueduct pursuant to the CVP-SWP wheeling agreement.

38. A Canal Fish Screens, Klamath Project, Oregon: Negotiation of an O&M contract for the A Canal Fish Screen with Klamath ID.

39. Ady Canal Headgates, Klamath Project, Oregon: Transfer of operational control to Klamath Drainage District of the headgates located at the railroad. Reclamation does not own the land at the headgates, only operational control pursuant to a railroad agreement.

    The following contract action has been completed since the last publication of this notice on November 15, 2002:

1. (11) Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board, Cachuma Project, California: Temporary interim contract (not to exceed 1 year) to transfer O&M responsibility of certain Cachuma Project facilities to member units. Temporary interim contract executed on November 1, 2002, and expires February 28, 2003.

   Lower Colorado Region: Bureau of Reclamation, PO Box 61470 (Nevada Highway and Park Street), Boulder City, Nevada 89006-1470, telephone 702-293-8536.

1. Milton and Jean Phillips, Cameron Brothers Construction Co., Ogram Farms, John J. Peach, Sunkist Growers, Inc., BCP, Arizona: Colorado River water delivery contracts, as recommended by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, with agricultural entities located near the Colorado River for up to 3,168 acre-feet per year total.

2. Brooke Water Co., BCP, Arizona: Amend contract for an additional 120 acre-feet per year of Colorado River water for domestic uses, as recommended by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

3. National Park Service for Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Supreme Court Decree in Arizona v. California, and BCP in Arizona and Nevada: Agreement for delivery of Colorado River water for the National Park Service's Federal Establishment PPR for diversion of 500 acre-feet annually and the National Park Service's Federal Establishment perfected right pursuant to Executive Order No. 5125 (April 25, 1930).

4. Miscellaneous PPR entitlement holders, BCP, Arizona and California: New contracts for entitlement to Colorado River water as decreed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Arizona v. California, as supplemented or amended, and as required by section 5 of the Boulder Canyon Project Act. Miscellaneous PPRs holders are listed in the January 9, 1979, Supreme Court Supplemental Decree in Arizona v. California et al.

5. Miscellaneous PPR No. 11, BCP, Arizona: Assign a portion of the PPR from Holpal to McNulty et al. And assign a portion of the PPR from Holpal to Hoover.

6. Curtis Family Trust et al., BCP, Arizona: Contract for 2,100 acre-feet per year of Colorado River water for irrigation.

7. Beattie Farms SW, BCP, Arizona: Contract for 1,890 acre-feet per year of unused Arizona entitlement of Colorado River water for irrigation.

8. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lower Colorado River Refuge Complex, BCP, Arizona: Agreement to administer the Colorado River water entitlement for refuge lands located in Arizona to resolve water rights coordination issues, and to provide for an additional entitlement for non-consumptive use of flow through water.

9. Maricopa-Stanfield IDD, CAP, Arizona: Amend distribution system repayment contract No. 4-07-30-W0047 to reschedule repayment pursuant to June 28, 1996, agreement.

10. Indian and non-Indian agricultural and M&I water users, CAP, Arizona: New and amendatory contracts for repayment of Federal expenditures for construction of distribution systems.

11. San Tan ID, CAP, Arizona: Amend distribution system repayment contract No. 6-07-30-W0120 to increase the repayment obligation by approximately $168,000.

12. Central Arizona Drainage and ID, CAP, Arizona: Amend distribution system repayment contract No. 4-07-30-W0048 to modify repayment terms pursuant to final order issued by U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona.

13. Imperial ID/Coachella Valley WD and/or The Metropolitan WD of Southern California, BCP, California: Contract to fund the Department of the Interior's expenses to conserve All-American Canal seepage water in accordance with title II of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Rights Settlement Act dated November 17, 1988.

14. Coachella Valley WD and/or The Metropolitan WD of Southern

    [[Page 9719]]

    California, BCP, California: Contract to fund the Department of the Interior's expenses to conserve seepage water from the Coachella Branch of the All-American Canal in accordance with title II of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, dated November 17, 1988.

15. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, CAP, Arizona: O&M contract for its CAP water distribution system.

16. Arizona State Land Department, BCP, Arizona: Colorado River water delivery contract for 1,535 acre-feet per year for domestic use.

17. Miscellaneous PPR No. 38, BCP, California: Assign Schroeder's portion of the PPR to Murphy Broadcasting.

18. Berneil Water Co., CAP, Arizona: Water service contracts associated with partial assignment of water service to the Cave Creek Water Company.

19. Canyon Forest Village II Corporation, BCP, Arizona: Colorado River water delivery contract for up to 400 acre-feet per year of unused Arizona apportionment or surplus apportionment for domestic use.

20. Gila Project Works, Gila Project, Arizona: Title transfer of facilities and certain lands in the Wellton-Mohawk Division from the United States to the Wellton-Mohawk IDD.

21. ASARCO Inc., CAP, Arizona: Amendment of subcontract to extend the deadline to December 31, 2003, for giving notice of termination on exchange.

22. Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc., CAP, Arizona: Amendment of subcontract to extend the deadline until December 31, 2003, for giving notice of termination on exchange.

23. Gila River Indian Community, CAP, Arizona: Amend CAP water delivery contract and distribution system repayment and operation, maintenance, and replacement contract pursuant to Arizona Water Settlements Act, when enacted.

24. California Water Districts, BCP, California: Incorporate into the water delivery contracts with several water districts (Coachella Valley WD, Imperial ID, Palo Verde ID, and The Metropolitan WD of Southern California), through new contracts, contract amendments, contract approvals, or other appropriate means, the agreement to be reached with those water districts to (i) quantify the Colorado River water entitlements for Coachella Valley WD and Imperial ID and (ii) provide a basis for water transfers among California water districts.

25. North Gila Valley IDD, Yuma ID, and Yuma Mesa IDD, Yuma Mesa Division, Gila Project, Arizona: Administrative action to amend each district's Colorado River water delivery contract to effectuate a change from a ``pooled'' water entitlement for the Division to a quantified entitlement for each district.

26. Indian and/or non-Indian M&I users, CAP, Arizona: New or amendatory water service contracts or subcontracts in accordance with an anticipated final record of decision for reallocation of CAP water, as discussed in the Secretary of the Interior's notice published on page 41456 of the Federal Register on July 30, 1999.

27. Litchfield Park Service Company, CAP, Arizona: Proposed assignments of 5,580 acre-feet of CAP M&I water to the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District and to the cities of Avondale, Carefree, and Goodyear.

28. Shepard Water Company, Inc., BCP, Arizona: Contract for the delivery of 50 acre-feet of domestic water.

29. The United States International Boundary and Water Commission, The Metropolitan WD of Southern California, San Diego County Water Authority, and Otay WD, Mexican Treaty Waters: Agreement for the temporary emergency delivery of a portion of the Mexican Treaty waters of the Colorado River to the International Boundary in the vicinity of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.

30. Gila River Indian Community, CAP, Arizona: Operation, maintenance, and replacement contract for an archeological repository named the Huhugam Heritage Center.

31. Jessen Family Limited Partnership, BCP, Arizona: Partial contract assignment of agricultural water from Arlin Dulin to Jessen Family Limited Partnership.

32. Robson Communities, Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act, Arizona: United States contract with Robson Communities for the sale of 1,618 acre-feet of long-term water storage credits accrued in the Tucson area during calendar year 2000.

33. Cities of Chandler and Mesa, CAP, Arizona: Amendments to the CAP M&I water service subcontracts of the cities of Chandler and Mesa to remove the language stating that direct effluent exchange agreements with Indian Communities are subject to the ``pooling concept.''

34. City of Somerton, BCP, Arizona: Contract for the delivery of up to 750 acre-feet of Colorado River water for domestic use.

35. Various Irrigation Districts, CAP, Arizona: Amend distribution system repayment contracts to provide for partial assumption of debt by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District and the United States upon enactment of Federal legislation providing for resolution of CAP issues.

36. Mohave County Water Authority, BCP, Arizona: Amendatory Colorado River Water delivery contract to include the delivery of 3,500 acre-feet per year of fourth priority water and to delete the delivery of 3,500 acre-feet per year of fifth or sixth priority water.

37. Citizens Communications Company (Agua Fria Division), CAP, Arizona: Assignment of M&I water service subcontract rights and responsibilities to Arizona American Water Company (Sun City).

38. Harquahala Valley ID, CAP, Arizona: The District has requested that Reclamation transfer title to the District's CAP Distribution System and to assign to the District permanent easements acquired by the United States. Title transfer of the District's CAP distribution system is authorized by Public Law 101-628 and contract No. 3-07-30- W0289 between the District and Reclamation, dated December 8, 1992.

39. All-American Canal, BCP, California: Agreement among Reclamation, Imperial ID, Metropolitan WD, and Coachella Valley WD for the federally funded construction of a reservoir(s) and associated facilities that will improve the regulation and management of Colorado River water (Federal legislation pending).

40. Pasquinelli, Gary J. and Barbara J., BCP, Arizona: Contract for the delivery of 486 acre-feet of Colorado River water for agricultural purposes.

41. Citizens Communications Company (Sun City Division), CAP, Arizona: Assignment of M&I water service subcontract rights and responsibilities to Arizona American Water Company (Sun City Division).

42. Citizens Communications Company (Sun City West Division), CAP, Arizona: Assignment of M&I water service subcontract rights and responsibilities to Arizona American Water Company (Sun City West Division).

43. Allocation agreement for water conserved from lining the All- American and Coachella Canals, BCP, California: Parties include the United States, The Metropolitan WD of Southern California, the Coachella Valley WD, the Imperial ID, the City of Escondido, Vista, San Luis Rey River Indian Water Authority, and the La Jolla, Pala, Pauma, Rincon, and San Pasqual Bands of Mission Indians.

44. Tohono O'odham Nation, CAP, Arizona: Amend CAP water delivery contract pursuant to Arizona Water Settlements Act, when enacted.

    [[Page 9720]]

45. Central Arizona Water Conservation District and the Arizona Department of Water Resources, CAP, Arizona: Arizona Water Settlement Agreement to settle all current CAP water allocation issues.

    The following actions have been discontinued since the last publication of this notice on November 15, 2002:

1. (20) Tohono O'odham Nation, CAP, Arizona: Repayment contract for a portion of the construction costs associated with water distribution system for Central Arizona IDD.

2. (21) Tohono O'odham Nation, CAP, Arizona: Contracts for Schuk Toak and San Xavier Districts for repayment of Federal expenditures for construction of distribution systems.

3. (40) Sonny Gowan, BCP, California: Approval to lease up to 175 acre-feet of his PPR water to Moabi Regional Park.

4. (49) All-American Canal, BCP, California: Agreement among Reclamation, Imperial ID, and Metropolitan WD to provide for the construction of lining for 23 miles of the All-American Canal, funded by the State of California.

   The following action has been completed since the last publication of this notice on November 15, 2002:

1. (33) Arizona Water Banking Authority and Southern Nevada Water Authority, BCP, Arizona and Nevada: Contract to provide for the interstate contractual distribution of Colorado River water through the off-stream storage of Colorado River water in Arizona, the development by the Arizona Water Banking Authority of intentionally created unused apportionment, and the release of this intentionally created unused apportionment by the Secretary of the Interior to Southern Nevada Water Authority.

   Upper Colorado Region: Bureau of Reclamation, 125 South State Street, Room 6107, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138-1102, telephone 801-524- 3864.

1. Individual irrigators, M&I, and miscellaneous water users, Initial Units, Colorado River Storage Project; Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico: Temporary (interim) water service contracts for surplus project water for irrigation or M&I use to provide up to 10,000 acre- feet of water annually for terms up to 10 years; long-term contracts for similar service for up to 1,000 acre-feet of water annually.

   (a) Russell, Harrison F. and Patricia E.; Aspinall Unit; CRSP; Colorado: Contract for 1 acre-foot to support an augmentation plan, Case No. 97CW39, Water Division Court No. 4, State of Colorado, to provide for a single-family residential well, including home lawn and livestock watering (non-commercial).

   (b) Stephens, Walter Daniel; Aspinall Unit; CRSP; Colorado: Contract for 2 acre-feet to support an augmentation plan, Case No. 97CW49, Water Division Court No. 4, State of Colorado, to provide for pond evaporative depletions during the non-irrigation season.

   (c) United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Aspinall Unit, CRSP, Colorado: Contract for 25 acre-feet to support an augmentation plan to provide water for the Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery ponds, used to grow out endangered fish, a part of the Endangered Fish Recovery Program.

   (d) Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District (Upper Gunnison), Aspinall Unit, CRSP, Colorado: A 40-year contract for 500 acre-feet of M&I water to support Upper Gunnison's plan of augmentation for non- agricultural water use within the Upper Gunnison District. The 500 acre-feet of water to be resold by Upper Gunnison under third-party contracts approved by Reclamation to water users located within Upper Gunnison's Districts boundaries.

2. Taos Area, San Juan-Chama Project, New Mexico: The United States is reserving 2,990 acre-feet of project water for potential use in an Indian water rights settlement in the Taos, New Mexico area.

3. Water Service Contractors, San Juan-Chama Project, New Mexico: Conversion of water service contracts to repayment contracts for the following entities: City of Santa Fe, County of Los Alamos, City of Espanola, Town of Taos, Village of Los Lunas, and Village of Tao Ski Valley.

4. Various Contractors, San Juan-Chama Project, New Mexico: The United States proposes to lease water from various contractors to stabilize flows in a critical reach of the Rio Grande in order to meet the needs of irrigators and preserve habitat for the silvery minnow.

5. Provo River Water Users, Provo River Project, Utah: Contract to provide for repayment of reimbursable portion of construction costs of SOD modifications to Deer Creek Dam.

6. Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, Wayne N. Aspinall Unit, CRSP, Colorado: Long-term water service contract for up to 25,000 acre-feet for irrigation use.

7. Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Uncompahgre Project, Colorado: Water management agreement for water stored at Taylor Park Reservoir and the Wayne N. Aspinall Storage Units to improve water management.

8. Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Florida Project, Colorado: Supplement to contract No. 14-06-400-3038, dated May 7, 1963, for an additional 181 acre-feet of project water, plus 563 acre-feet of water pursuant to the 1986 Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Final Settlement Agreement.

9. Grand Valley Water Users Association, Orchard Mesa ID, and Public Service Company of Colorado, Grand Valley Project, Colorado: Water service contract for the utilization of project water for cooling purposes for a steam electric generation plant.

10. Sanpete County Water Conservancy District, Narrows Project, Utah: Application for a SRPA loan and grant to construct a dam, reservoir, and pipeline to annually supply approximately 5,000 acre- feet of water through a transmountain diversion from upper Gooseberry Creek in the Price River drainage (Colorado River Basin) to the San Pitch--Savor River (Great Basin).

11. Individual Irrigators, Carlsbad Project, New Mexico: The United States proposes to enter into long-term forbearance lease agreements with individuals who have privately held water rights to divert nonproject water either directly from the Pecos River or from shallow/ artesian wells in the Pecos River Watershed. This action will result in additional water in the Pecos River to make up for the water depletions caused by changes in operations at Summer Dam which were made to improve conditions for a threatened species, the Pecos bluntnose shiner.

12. La Plata Conservancy District, Animas-La Plata Project, Colorado and New Mexico: Cost-sharing/repayment contract for up to 1,560 acre-feet per year of M&I water; contract terms to be consistent with the Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 2000 (title III of Pub. L. 106-554).

13. LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, Glen Canyon Unit, CRSP, Arizona: Long-term contract for 950 acre-feet of water for municipal purposes.

14. Pine River ID, Pine River Project, Colorado: Contract to allow the District to convert up to approximately 3,000 acre-feet of project irrigation water to municipal, domestic, and industrial uses.

15. City of Page, Arizona; Glen Canyon Unit; CRSP; Arizona: Long- term contract for 1,000 acre-feet of water for municipal purposes.

16. Castle Valley Special Service District, City of Huntington, Emery County Project: Assignment of contract

    [[Page 9721]]

    for 189 acre-feet of water for municipal purposes.

17. El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 and Isleta del Sur Pueblo, Rio Grande Project, Texas: Contract to convert up to 1,000 acre-feet of the Pueblo's project irrigation water to use for traditional and religious purposes.

18. Carlsbad ID and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC), Carlsbad Project, New Mexico: Contract to convert irrigation water appurtenant to up to 6,000 acres of land within the project for use by the ISC for delivery to Texas to meet New Mexico's Pecos River Compact obligation.

    The following action has been discontinued since the last publication of this notice on November 15, 2002:

1. (4) Various Contractors, San Juan-Chama Project, New Mexico: Three potential contracts among the United States, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, and the City of Albuquerque to implement terms of Agreed Order Resolving Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, dated August 2, 2000, and the supplement dated October 5, 2000. The ordered actions were taken without contracts being put in place.

   The following actions have been completed since the last publication of this notice on November 15, 2002:

1. (1)(f) David W. and Rebecca A. Dennis, Aspinall Unit, CRSP, Colorado: Contract for 1 acre-foot to support an augmentation plan, Case No. 01CW84, Water Division Court No. 4, State of Colorado, to provide for a single-family residential well, including in-house residential, limited lawn, pond evaporation, and livestock watering (non-commercial). Contract executed May 17, 2002.

2. (13) Dolores Water Conservancy District, Dolores Project, Colorado: Amendment to an existing carriage contract to extend the term of the contract from 25 years to a total of 50 years. Amendment executed August 29, 2002.

3. (14) Ogden River Water Users Association and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Ogden River and Weber Basin Projects, Utah: Contract to provide for repayment of water users portion of construction contract due to SOD investigations recommendations at Pineview Dam. Contract executed March 28, 2002.

4. (21) Uintah Water Conservancy District, Jensen Unit, CUP, Utah: Contract to allow the District to use up to approximately 2,500 acre- feet of project water for irrigation and M&I uses. Contract executed June 20, 2002.

   Great Plains Region: Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 36900, Federal Building, 316 North 26th Street, Billings, Montana 59107-6900, telephone 406-247-7730.

1. Individual irrigators, M&I, and miscellaneous water users: Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming: Temporary (interim) water service contracts for the sale, conveyance, storage, and exchange of surplus project water and nonproject water for irrigation or M&I use to provide up to 10,000 acre-feet of water annually for a term up to 1 year.

2. Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado-Big Thompson Project, Colorado: Water service contracts for irrigation and M&I; contracts for sale of water from the marketable yield to water users within the Colorado River Basin of western Colorado.

3. Ruedi Reservoir, Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, Colorado: Second round water sales from the regulatory capacity of Ruedi Reservoir. Water service and repayment contracts for up to 17,000 acre-feet annually for M&I use; contract with Colorado Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 10,825 acre-feet for endangered fishes.

4. Garrison Diversion Unit, P-SMBP, North Dakota: Renegotiation of the master repayment contract with Garrison Diversion Conservancy District to conform with the Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act of 1986; negotiation of repayment contracts with irrigators and M&I users.

5. City of Rapid City, Rapid Valley Unit, P-SMBP, South Dakota: Contract renewal for storage capacity in Pactola Reservoir. A temporary (1 year not to exceed 10,000 acre-feet) water service contract will be executed with the City of Rapid City, Rapid Valley Unit, for use of water from Pactola Reservoir. A long-term storage contract is being negotiated for water stored in Pactola Reservoir.

6. Pathfinder ID, North Platte Project, Nebraska: Negotiation of a contract regarding SOD program modifications of Lake Alice Dam No. 1 Filter/Drain.

7. Mid-Dakota Rural Water System, Inc., South Dakota: Pursuant to the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to make grants and loans to Mid-Dakota Rural Water System, Inc., a non-profit corporation for the planning and construction of a rural water supply system.

8. Angostura ID, Angostura Unit, P-SMBP, South Dakota: An interim 3-year contract was executed on June 9, 2000, to provide for a continuing water supply and allow adequate time for completion of the Environmental Impact Statement for long-term contract renewal. A BON for a long-term contract renewal has been approved by the Commissioner's Office. Contract negotiations for a long term 25-year contract have been completed. Both the Record of Decision and the contract will be signed in January 2003.

9. City of Berthoud, Colorado, Colorado-Big Thompson Project, Colorado: Long-term contract for conveyance of nonproject M&I water through Colorado-Big Thompson Project facilities.

10. City of Cheyenne, Kendrick Project, Wyoming: Negotiation of a long-term contract for storage space. Contract for up to 10,000 acre- feet of storage space for replacement water on a yearly basis in Seminoe Reservoir. A temporary contract has been issued pending negotiations of the long-term contract.

11. Highland-Hanover ID, P-SMBP, Hanover-Bluff Unit, Wyoming: Renegotiation of long-term water service contract; includes provisions for repayment of construction costs.

12. Upper Bluff ID, P-SMBP, Hanover-Bluff Unit, Wyoming: Renegotiation of long-term water service contract; includes provisions for repayment of construction cost.

13. Fort Clark ID, P-SMBP, North Dakota: Negotiation of water service contract to continue delivery of project water to the District.

14. Western Heart River ID, P-SMBP, Heart Butte Unit, North Dakota: Negotiation of water service contract to continue delivery of project water to the District.

15. Lower Marias Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: Water service contract with Robert A. Sisk expired in July 1998. Initiating long-term contract for the use of up to 600 acre-feet of storage water from Tiber Reservoir to irrigate 220 acres. Temporary/interim contracts are being issued to allow continued delivery of water and the time necessary to complete required actions for the long-term contract process.

16. Lower Marias Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: Initiating renewal of long- term water service contract with Julie Peterson for the use of up to 717 acre-feet of storage water from Tiber Reservoir to irrigate 239 acres. Temporary/interim contracts are being issued to allow continued delivery of water and the time necessary to complete required actions for the long-term contract process.

17. Lower Marias Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: Water service contract with Ray Morkrid as Morkrid Enterprises expired May 1998. Initiating long- term contract for the use of up to 6,855 acre-feet of storage water from Tiber

    [[Page 9722]]

    Reservoir to irrigate 2,285 acres. Temporary/interim contracts are being issued to allow continued delivery of water and the time necessary to complete required actions for the long-term contract process.

18. Dickinson-Heart River Mutual Aid Corporation, P-SMBP, Dickinson Unit, North Dakota: Negotiate renewal of water service contract for irrigation of lands below Dickinson Dam in western North Dakota.

19. Savage ID, P-SMBP, Montana: The District is currently seeking title transfer. The contract is subject to renewal on an annual basis pending outcome of the title transfer process. Interim contracts are being issued to allow continued delivery of water. The District has requested information concerning renewal of the long-term contract.

20. City of Fort Collins, Colorado-Big Thompson Project, Colorado: Long-term contracts for conveyance and storage of nonproject M&I water through Colorado-Big Thompson Project facilities.

21. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, P-SMBP, North Dakota: Negotiate a long-term water service contract with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota for irrigation of up to 2,380 acres of land within the reservation.

22. Glendo Unit, P-SMBP, Wyoming: Contract renewal for long-term water service contracts with Burbank Ditch, New Grattan Ditch Company, Torrington ID, Lucerne Canal and Power Company, and Wright and Murphy Ditch Company.

23. Glendo Unit, P-SMBP, Nebraska: Contract renewal for long-term water service contracts with Bridgeport, Enterprise, and Mitchell IDs, and Central Nebraska Public Power and ID.

24. Belle Fourche ID, Belle Fourche Project, South Dakota: Belle Fourche ID has requested a $25,000 reduction in construction repayment. Negotiations are pending resolution of contract language.

25. Helena Valley Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: Initiating negotiations with Helena Valley ID for renewal of Part A of the A/B contract which expires in 2004.

26. Crow Creek Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: Initiating negotiations with Toston ID for renewal of Part A of the A/B contract which expires in 2004.

27. Milk River Project, Montana: City of Harlem water service contract expired in December 2002. Initiating negotiations for renewal of a water service contract for an annual supply of raw water for domestic use from the Milk River not to exceed 500 acre-feet. An interim contract may be issued to continue delivery of water until the necessary actions can be completed to renew the long-term contract. A draft contract is available for review and public comment. Comments were due by August 15, 2002.

28. Lower Marias Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: Town of Chester water service contract expired in December 2002. Initiating negotiations for renewal of a long-term water service contract for an annual supply of raw water for domestic use from Tiber Reservoir not to exceed 500 acre- feet. An interim contract may be issued to continue delivery of water until the necessary actions can be completed to renew the long-term contract.

29. City of Dickinson, P-SMBP, Dickinson Unit, North Dakota: A temporary contract has been negotiated with the Park Board for minor amounts of water from Dickinson Dam. Negotiate a long-term water service contract with the City of Dickinson or Park Board, for minor amounts of water from Dickinson Dam.

30. Clark Canyon Water Supply Company, East Bench Unit, Montana: Initiating renewal of contract No. 14-06-600-3592 which expires December 31, 2005.

31. East Bench ID, East Bench Unit, Montana: Initiating renewal of contract No. 14-06-600-3593 which expires December 31, 2005.

32. Pueblo Board of Water Works, Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, Colorado: On September 25, 2002, an amendment was executed to extend the term of a conveyance contract by 1 year from October 2002 to October 1, 2003. Initiating negotiations for renewal of a water conveyance contract for annual conveyance of up to 750 acre-feet of nonproject water through the Nast and Boustead Tunnel System.

33. Lower Marias Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: Initiating long-term water service contract with Allen Brown as Tiber Enterprises for up to 910 acre-feet of storage from Tiber Reservoir to irrigate 303.2 acres. Temporary/interim contracts are being issued to allow continued delivery of water and the time necessary to complete required actions for the long-term contract process.

34. Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado-Big Thompson Project, Colorado: Acting by and through the Pleasant Valley Pipeline Project Water Activity Enterprise, beginning discussions concerning a long-term contract for conveyance of nonproject water through Colorado-Big Thompson Project facilities.

35. Miles Land and Livestock Co. (Individual), Kendrick Project, Alcova Reservoir, Wyoming: Negotiate a long-term contract for annual conveyance of up to 153.27 acre-feet of nonproject water through the Casper Canal, Wyoming.

36. Helena Valley Unit, P-SMBP, Montana: The long-term water service contract with the City of Helena, Montana, expires December 31, 2004. Initiating negotiations for contract renewal for an annual supply of raw water for domestic and M&I use from Helena Valley Reservoir not to exceed 5,680 acre-feet of water annually.

37. Chippewa Cree Tribe (Tribe), Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, Montana: Pursuant to title II, section 201(a)(2), of the Rocky Boy's Indian Reserved Water Rights Settlement and Water Supply Enhancement Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-163), Reclamation is negotiating to allocate 10,000 acre-feet per year of stored water in Lake Elwell.

38. Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, Lake Meredith Salinity Control Project, New Mexico and Texas: Negotiation of a contract for the transfer of control (care, operation, and maintenance) of the Project to the Authority in accordance with Pub. L. 102-575, title VIII, section 804(c).

39. Belle Fourche ID, Belle Fourche Project, South Dakota: Negotiate a temporary contract for additional supplemental water up to 10,000 acre-feet from Keyhole Reservoir. Negotiate an amendment to the District's Keyhole Dam repayment contract for increased storage space to store additional amounts of water.

40. Clayton and Debbie Fulfer (Individual), P-SMBP, Boysen Unit, Wyoming: Contract for up to 15 acre-feet of supplemental irrigation water to service 5.72 acres.

41. Midvale ID, P-SMBP, Riverton Unit, Wyoming: Negotiations of a SOD Program contract for modification of Bull Lake Dam.

42. Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, Colorado: Consideration of excess capacity contracts in the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project.

43. Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, Colorado: Consideration of requests for long-term contracts for the use of excess capacity in the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project from the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, the City of Aurora, and the Regional Water Infrastructure Authority.

    Dated: February 20, 2003. Wayne O. Deason, Acting Director, Program and Policy Services.

    [FR Doc. 03-4735 Filed 2-27-03; 8:45 am]