[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 51 (Monday, March 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 12664]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6346]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.; Notice 
of Availability of a Record of Decision

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a record of decision.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 
has issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for the Nucla-Telluride 115 kV 
Transmission Line Project. The decision of RUS is that the National 
Environmental Policy Act review process has been satisfied with respect 
to a potential request for financing assistance from Tri-State 
Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State), of 
Westminster, Colorado.

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 or e-
mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Tri-State has proposed a 115 kV transmission 
line in order to improve the reliability of power to Telluride and 
other surrounding communities, as well as increase the capacity of the 
regional transmission grid to transfer bulk power through southwestern 
Colorado. The 115 kV transmission line would replace and potentially 
relocate an existing 69 kV line that is owned and operated by San 
Miguel Power Association. The U. S. Forest Service (FS) served as the 
lead Federal agency in the environmental review process. RUS and the 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are cooperating agencies in the 
process.
    The RUS preferred alternative is the construction of an overhead 
115 kV transmission line using the Nucla--Norwood Central Alternative 
and the Norwood--Sunshine Alternative corridors. Subalternative 
corridors C and D may also be used in the final line route. Associated 
facilities include the expansion of the Norwood Substation at its 
current location; the modification of the Nucla, Species Mesa, Wilson 
Mesa and Sunshine Substations; and the dismantling of the Oakhill 
Substation. Modifications to sections of San Miguel Power Association's 
distribution system would also be required. The FS and BLM have 
previously issued their Records-of-Decision regarding the project.
    Federal, State, and local agencies and the public who had 
previously requested copies of the Record-of-Decision will receive a 
copy of the ROD by direct mail. RUS' ROD is also available online at 
http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/ees/eis.htm.

    Dated: March 12, 2003.
Alfred Rodgers,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Electric Program, Rural Utilities 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6346 Filed 3-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P