[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 21735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10777]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.; Notice 
of Intent To Hold A Public Workshop and Prepare an Environmental 
Assessment

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to hold a public workshop and prepare an 
environmental assessment.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold a public 
scoping workshop and prepare an environmental assessment (EA) in 
connection with possible impacts related to the construction and 
operation of a combustion turbine generation facility. The project is 
being proposed by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, 
Inc. (Tri-State), of Westminster, Colorado. RUS will conduct a public 
scoping workshop at the Lordsburg High School, 41 W. 4th Street, 
Lordsburg, New Mexico. The meeting/workshop will be held on May 16, 
2001, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis E. Rankin, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, RUS, Engineering and Environmental Staff, Stop 
1571, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-1571, 
telephone: (202) 720-1953 or e-mail: [email protected].; or Karl 
Myers, Senior Environmental Planner, Tri-State, P.O. Box 33695, Denver, 
Colorado 80233, telephone: (303) 452-6111 or e-mail: 
kmyerstristategt.org.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Tri-State is proposing to construct a 150 MW 
peaking facility consisting of four GE LM6000 combustion turbine 
generators with associated auxiliary and support facilities including 
transmission connections and a high-pressure natural gas pipeline 
connection available for commercial dispatch in January 2003. The 
preferred site is located approximately 12 miles southeast of 
Lordsburg, New Mexico. The preferred transmission alternative is to 
connect these generators via two new/rebuilt 115 kV lines between the 
generating site and the Hidalgo 115 kV Substation.
    RUS may provide financial assistance for the project. The Bureau of 
Land Management has received a right-of-way application for the 115 kV 
transmission line. The EA will address the impacts associated with 
granting the right-of-way.
    Alternatives to be considered by RUS include no action, load 
management and energy conservation, purchase power, alternative 
generators and alternative sites.
    Comments regarding the proposed project may be submitted in writing 
at the public meeting/workshop or in writing no later than June 16, 
2001, to RUS at the address provided above.
    An environmental assessment (EA) will be prepared for the proposed 
project. Based on a review of the Environmental Assessment and other 
relevant information, RUS will determine if the preparation of an 
environmental impact statement is necessary. Should RUS determine that 
the preparation of an environmental impact statement is not necessary, 
it will prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact.
    Any final action by RUS related to the proposed project will be 
subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant Federal, 
State and local environmental laws and regulations and completion of 
the environmental review procedures as prescribed by RUS's 
Environmental Policies and Procedures.

    Dated: April 25, 2001.
Mark S. Plank,
Acting Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff.
[FR Doc. 01-10777 Filed 4-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P