[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 15 (Thursday, January 23, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3862-3871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01280]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

[14X/A11220000.224200/AAK4004800/AX.480ADM1.0000]


Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of rate adjustments.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns, or has an interest 
in, irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian 
reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish 
irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, 
operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying 
you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of 
our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of 
administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.

DATES: Effective Date: The irrigation assessment rates shown in the 
tables as final were effective as of January 1, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For details about a particular BIA 
irrigation project or facility, please use the tables in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section to contact the regional or local 
office where the project or facility is located.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A Notice of Proposed Rate Adjustment was 
published in the Federal Register on October 17, 2012 (77 FR 63850) to 
propose adjustments to the irrigation assessment rates at several BIA 
irrigation projects. The public and interested parties were provided an 
opportunity to submit written comments during the 60-day period that 
ended December 17, 2012.

Did the BIA defer or change any proposed rate increases?

    No.

Did the BIA receive any comments on the proposed irrigation assessment 
rate adjustments?

    Written comments were received related to the proposed rate 
adjustment for the San Carlos Irrigation Project for 2014 and the Wind 
River Irrigation Project for 2013.

What issues were of concern to the commenters?

    One commenter raised concerns specific to the San Carlos Irrigation 
Project on the proposed rates about the following issues: (1) The 
methodology for the O&M rate setting; and (2) the timely receipt of 
information for commenting, budget formulation and accounting, items 
related to staffing, contract payments, cylinder gate replacement, 
permits and leasing, reserve account, and reservoir area capacity.
    One commenter raised concerns specific to the Wind River Irrigation 
Project on the proposed rates about the following issues: (1) Opposing 
a rate increase based on the project's asserted inability to deliver 
water to many portions of the system as well as to maintain equitable 
access to paying users; and (2) postponing a rate increase while a 
cooperative agreement is considered by an irrigator's group.

The Following Comments Are Specific to the San Carlos Irrigation 
Project

    Written comments relating to the FY 2014 proposed O&M rate for the 
San Carlos Irrigation Project-Joint Works (SCIP-JW) were received by 
letter dated December 17, 2012, from the San Carlos Irrigation and 
Drainage District (District). The District raised several issues in its 
letter. The BIA's summary of the District's issues and the BIA's 
responses are provided below.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the methodology by which BIA 
establishes O&M rates and the schedule for consultation meetings with 
the commenter.
    Response: The methodology used by the BIA to determine a 2014 O&M 
rate was reasonable. Based on a review of historical income receipts 
and expenditures, a budget of projected income receipts and 
expenditures was developed approximately two years before the O&M 
assessments are collected and expenses are incurred. The BIA relies on 
financial reports generated by the Financial and Business Management 
System for reviewing past expenditures and projecting a future budget 
and expenditures. Procurement files and records maintained by the SCIP-
JW were also reviewed and considered. For example, with regard to 
development of the FY 2014 budget, the BIA reviewed: (1) The year-end 
reconciled income and expenditure information for 2010 and 2011; (2) 
available income and expenditure information for 2012; (3) previous 
budget projections for 2012; and (4) other information relevant to 
potential future expenses, such as cost information for replacement of 
the Coolidge Dam cylinder gates.
    The BIA has provided the District with draft budget and supporting

[[Page 3863]]

information, held budget fact-finding meetings over the period from 
December 2011 to April 2012, and received feedback from the District. 
In addition, in accordance with BIA policy, meetings have been held 
with SCIP-JW water users (including the District) in order to discuss 
O&M rates and maintenance needs. The cited settlement agreement 
stipulates that two fact-finding meetings are to be held annually. In 
an effort to accommodate and address the concerns raised by the 
District and other water users during the 2014 O&M rate setting 
process, a total of four fact-finding meetings were held. Each of these 
meetings was held at least 30 days apart, which afforded ample time for 
comments, requests of additional information, and clarification of 
items.
    Furthermore, SCIP-JW uses its best effort to conform to budget and 
data templates suggested by the water users during the meetings. These 
templates are susceptible to adjustment from year to year based on the 
water user meetings. In response to water user concerns about O&M 
expenditures, SCIP-JW currently uses the services of the Accountant 
employed by the Office of Trust Services, Division of Water and Power 
to complete a detailed annual reconciliation of the O&M funds. This 
service involves reviewing thousands of accounting lines in the BIA's 
official financial system. The Accountant's reconciliation for FY 2011 
was completed and presented to the District and the other water users 
on January 5, 2012. None of the water users has provided any 
information that would undermine the accuracy and completeness of the 
reconciliation.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the timely receipt of budget 
information and supporting documentation for FY's 2012, 2013, and 2014.
    Response: The BIA does not believe that the information provided to 
the District and the other water users for FY 2014 was untimely. In 
addition to providing detailed fund reconciliations to the District and 
the other water users for FY 2010 and 2011, SCIP-JW conducted fact-
finding meetings with the District and other water users on December 6, 
2011; January 5, 2012; February 29, 2012; and April 2, 2012 to discuss 
the proposed FY 2014 O&M budget and the fund reconciliations for FY 
2011. SCIP-JW provides information such as staff position descriptions 
and salary tables, updates on well repairs, encroachment permitting 
specifics, and other information in extensive detail to the District 
and other water users. SCIP-JW does what any reasonable program does 
when managing an annual $3.0 million budget--it conducts periodic re-
evaluations and updates of the revenues and expenditures to display the 
most accurate budget information possible, and shares this information 
with the water users. The SCIP-JW used the guidance of the Certified 
Government Financial Manager, who is also a Certified Public Accountant 
employed by the Office of Trust Services, Division of Water and Power 
during the FY 2014 rate setting process to refine the presentation of 
O&M budget information, make the budget presentations more transparent, 
and employ more precise accounting terminology. SCIP-JW will continue 
to look for ways to refine its accounting presentation format and 
produce a budget presentation that facilitates water user review. The 
District is encouraged to continue its communications with SCIP-JW and 
available BIA staff to review and discuss the SCIP-JW O&M issues.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the timing of budget information 
submitted for FY 2011.
    Response: The Accountant's reconciliation for FY 2011 was completed 
and presented to the District and the other water users on January 5, 
2012. The FY 2011 reconciliation was available to the water users for 
nearly all of the 2014 rate setting meetings. None of the water users 
have provided any information that would undermine the accuracy and 
completeness of the reconciliation.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the justification of the numbers 
for the 2011 budget.
    Response: With regard to the budget information provided to the 
water users in past fiscal years, SCIP-JW has provided the best 
available budget information at each point in time. The initial budget, 
upon which proposed rates are developed in consultation with the water 
users, is projected two years in advance as required by SCIP-JW's 
governing authorities. SCIP-JW does periodic re-evaluations and updates 
of the budget information in consultation with the water users. It is 
expected that budget updates done in the specific fiscal year, based on 
reconciled expenditures, will differ from the budget line items 
forecasted two to three years prior to the fiscal year the expenditures 
are made. Factors influencing this situation include unforeseen 
expenditures, undelivered orders, price changes, etc. It makes little 
sense to use figures from two years prior to determine the required 
future assessment rate when current figures are available. Budget 
figures and expenditures are subject to periodic re-evaluation and 
adjustment, but a ``Notice of Rate Adjustment'' established by the 
Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs (AS-IA) cannot be changed by SCIP-
JW.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the personnel costs for FY's 
2009, 2010, and 2011 and questioned the staffing levels and use of 
overtime in 2011.
    Response: SCIP-JW, the District, and the other water users have 
discussed this concern numerous times during the last three years. See 
our response to the District's concern in Federal Register Notices for 
``Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects'', dated May 9, 2011 
and February 23, 2012. We understand that the District disagrees with 
the manner in which SCIP-JW managed its irrigation staff during the 
time periods in question. The District was made aware of the policy at 
its inception and been advised through monthly budgeting reports that 
personnel expenditures in FY 2011 were going to exceed the previously 
budgeted amounts as a result of the additional staffing and overtime 
necessitated by the policy. We believe that these personnel 
expenditures were reasonable and appropriate, and well within SCIP-JW's 
authority to manage its personnel to assure that its water delivery 
obligations are satisfied.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the availability of funds for 
payments to the Joint Control Board (JCB).
    Response: The third and final JCB funding transfer ($200,000) was 
completed in March 2012. The $300,000 payment to the JCB on behalf of 
the Community is available for payment as soon as the JCB reactivates 
its registration in SAM.GOV.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the status of unused funds in a 
contract with Transcon Environmental and requested the status of de-
obligation of those funds.
    Response: In early FY 2012, the Transcon Environmental Contract 
ended. An unexpended amount of $54,862.11 was de-obligated and made 
available to SCIP-JW as unobligated cash in FY 2012.
    Comment: The commenter questioned status of unused funds in a 
contract with Coolidge Engine and Pump, Jonovitch Companies and 
Southwest Water and Minerals and requested the status of de-obligation 
of those funds.
    Response: Funds obligated in FY 2011 for the Well Rehabilitation 
Contract, awarded to Coolidge Engine and Pump, remained obligated in FY 
2012 and will remain obligated until all of the scheduled pump repairs 
are completed. Any remaining funds will be utilized toward 
rehabilitating additional wells. SCIP-JW does not foresee a de-

[[Page 3864]]

obligation of funds from this contract in FY 2013.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the reconciliation of funds 
collected in FY 2011, 2012 and 2013 for the Cylinder Gate Replacement 
Project.
    Response: The FY 2011 Reconciliation does not need to be corrected. 
Reserve and sinking funds are not differentiated from other funds 
available to SCIP-JW in the Financial and Business Management System 
(formerly Federal Financial System) employed by SCIP-JW. The 
reconciliation figures are based on output from this financial 
management program and consequently do not differentiate the reserve 
and sinking funds from other available cash. The funds cannot be 
separated until they become obligated, and the sinking funds cannot 
become obligated until a contract is in place. Please rely on the 
budget reports provided to the water users to track the balance of the 
Coolidge Dam Cylinder Gate Replacement fund.
    Comment: The commenter recommended that excess pumping charges for 
FY 2011 should be shown as revenue for FY 2012.
    Response: Excess pumping charges were shown as income in the most 
recent FY 2012 budget distributed during the FY 2014 O&M rate setting 
process.
    Comment: The commenter was concerned that the revenues shown for 
wood gathering permits and grazing leases in recent years appears to be 
lower than previous years and requested a list of all existing wood 
gathering permits and grazing leases as well as the payments received 
from each in FY 2011.
    Response: Total payments recorded for Wood Permits and Grazing 
Permits were shown individually in the FY 2011 reconciliation 
spreadsheet presented to the water users in the January 5, 2012 
meeting. The individual amounts received for each wood permit are 
reflected in the GL 4114 tab (rows 89 through 106 of the Excel sheet), 
and are reproduced below. Similarly the amount received for a single 
grazing permit is also reflected in the GL 4114 tab (row 80 of the 
Excel sheet), and is reproduced below.

                                                                 2011 Wood Permit Income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114   10/25/2010         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............        $5.00  XFM0CKW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    11/3/2010         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  XFM0CKW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    12/7/2010         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  XFM0CKW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    12/7/2010         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  XFM0CKW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114   12/15/2010         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  XFM0CKW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    1/20/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    1/31/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............        10.00  DFMABRG
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114     2/8/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114     2/8/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    2/24/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............        10.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114     3/4/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    3/31/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    5/13/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  XFM0CAK
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    5/17/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0DDH
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    5/24/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0DDH
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    6/17/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    8/10/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114    8/26/2011         2011  SANCARIRR 1...............         5.00  DFM0LXW
                                                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                                                               $100.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                               2011 Grazing Permit Income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H59100......................        51000         5914         4114     5/9/2011         2009  BLM.......................      $794.13  XFM0CAK
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment: The commenter requested backup documentation for each line 
item included under the Expenses section of the actual reconciliation 
and requested that actual paid invoices for all accounts over budget be 
shown in the documentation.
    Response: The BIA views the request to be over-broad, burdensome, 
and lacking a reasonable basis for the request. SCIP-JW has previously 
provided the vendor names and payment amounts in the annual 
reconciliation compact disks. Additionally, SCIP-JW provides monthly 
updates to the District about the status of various contracts and 
obligations on a form developed by the District. SCIP-JW will continue 
to document and discuss a specific expenditure in the FY 2011 
reconciliation if the District can describe a reason for questioning a 
specific expenditure. The District has insisted that SCIP-JW keep its 
program and staff costs at a reasonable level but this request is 
inconsistent with the District's insistence that SCIP-JW keep its 
program and staff costs at a reasonable level. Since 2008, the BIA has 
not charged SCIP-JW's annual reconciliations to the Irrigation O&M 
budget, and the BIA has made staff available to provide technical 
assistance to the District related to the Federal financial system upon 
which annual reconciliations are based.
    Comment: The commenter recommended that the budgets shared with the 
District during Fact Finding Meetings include the expected actual 
income and expenses for previous years, as well as the expected carry-
over moneys available at the beginning and end of each Fiscal Year and 
that the data be provided to the District in multiple file formats
    Response: The AS-IA establishes an O&M rate based on the 
recommendation of SCIP-JW and the Regional Director for the Western 
Region. Supporting budget information along with the recommended O&M 
rate is submitted to this office by SCIP-JW and the Regional Director. 
The establishment of the O&M rate by this office does not freeze-in-
time SCIP-JW's budget for the fiscal year in question.
    SCIP-JW has utilized the most up-to-date budget figures available 
for FY 2012 and 2013 in the proposed FY 2014 budget accompanying SCIP-
JW's recommended O&M rate for FY 2014.

[[Page 3865]]

SCIP-JW has shared this updated information with all of the water 
users.
    Comment: The commenter quoted a Bureau of Reclamation cost estimate 
of $1.1 million for the replacement of two cylinder gates at Coolidge 
Dam, questioned the funding amount set aside by BIA for the project, 
and requested that any residual funding be returned to the operating 
budget of SCIP for future expenses.
    Response: SCIP-JW does not have any record of a cost estimate 
totaling $1.1 million for replacement of the Coolidge Dam Cylinder 
gates. The most recent estimate (2008) produced by the Bureau of 
Reclamation projects the cost of the project to be just under $1.8 
million when construction management costs are combined with the costs 
of supplies and other services. This cost estimate was provided to the 
District prior to the Coolidge Dam Cylinder Gate Technical Work Group 
Meeting held on June 28, 2011. This cost estimate is in the process of 
being updated along with addressing other pre-construction issues.
    After careful consideration of the District's comments in the rate 
setting meetings for FY 2014, SCIP-JW removed the contribution to the 
Coolidge Dam cylinder gate replacement sinking fund from the 
recommended rate submitted to this office for the FY 2014 budget. This 
action allowed the proposed FY 2014 O&M rate to remain at $30/acre 
rather than increasing to $35/acre. However, the 2008 cost estimate 
exceeds the funds currently set aside for this project. Consequently, 
SCIP-JW proposes to set aside an additional $300,000 in FY 2015 for the 
project. This proposed sinking fund contribution was a major factor 
influencing the decision of the SCIP-JW to recommend to this office an 
O&M rate of $35/acre for FY 2015. The SCIP-JW recommendation for the 
2015 O&M rate is under consideration by this office. As planning and 
design proceeds for replacement of the cylinder gates, SCIP-JW will 
continue to refine and update cost estimates for final design and 
implementation of the cylinder gate replacement project. Any additional 
funding requirements will be considered during the rate setting process 
for FY 2016. SCIP-JW will continue to update the O&M budgets with the 
best available information as this matter develops and will keep the 
water users informed when the federal procurement processes are 
triggered.
    Comment: Regarding the San Carlos Reservoir Area/Capacity Study, 
the commenter recommended that the study costs be funded through 
assessment by the Gila Water Commissioner on all Gila Decree acres, 
including those lands within the Upper Valley Districts.
    Response: SCIP-JW wanted to have this Area/Capacity Study performed 
as soon as possible in order to take advantage of the low reservoir 
water levels. The field work for this Study was conducted in August 
2012. SCIP-JW believes that this undertaking was a valid O&M activity 
related to the irrigation operations of SCIP-JW. If the District would 
like the Gila Water Commissioner to reimburse SCIP-JW for a portion of 
the costs associated with the study, SCIP-JW recommends that the 
District file a petition with the Federal Court with jurisdiction over 
the Gila Water Commissioner and request that the reimbursement costs be 
included in the annual assessment approved by the Federal Court for the 
Gila Water Commissioner's Office.
    Comment: The commenter questioned staffing levels for ISO 
Positions, given the potential completion of canal and structure 
automation projects.
    Response: SCIP-JW will continue to evaluate its staffing 
requirements as the various phases of rehabilitation are completed. 
SCIP-JW does not believe it is reasonable or appropriate at the present 
time to predict the downsizing of irrigation staff. There are many 
contingencies which affect construction schedules, such as the 
rehabilitation construction schedules managed by the District under the 
Arizona Water Settlements Act. We look forward to continuing this 
discussion with the water users in the future.
    Comment: The commenter questioned Stand-by Charges that are 
calculated for field staff who are available for call-out on a 7 day, 
24 hour basis.
    Response: The ten percent salary differential is known as 
Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) pay, which compensates 
for ``irregular'' or ``occasional'' overtime work during a tour of duty 
(please refer to 5 CFR 550.151--550.164, which authorizes AUO pay). 
SCIP-JW has determined that this compensation method is more cost 
effective than paying the prevailing overtime rate for the actual 
amount of irregular hours or overtime worked. We concur with SCIP-JW's 
program judgment in this matter. The nature of the position requires 
irrigation field personnel to be on-call and readily available to meet 
water user requests in a large geographical area, and make critical 
water adjustments (e.g. pump operations and gate changes) in a timely 
manner. This is especially important during emergencies. SCIP-JW 
appreciates receiving advance notification from the SCIDD Watermaster 
and/or zanjeros when water delivery changes or adjustments are 
required. This allows SCIP-JW irrigation field personnel to adjust 
their daily schedules to meet the needs of the water users.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the management of overtime for 
field personnel to cover evening, night and weekend shifts.
    Response: SCIP-JW's discontinuation of the policy requiring ISOs to 
work in pairs has reduced the amount of overtime worked by SCIP-JW 
Irrigation field personnel. However, the need to make emergency repairs 
has increased recently due to vandalism and as a result of outdated 
well components on SCIP-JW wells. Therefore, SCIP-JW will continue to 
authorize overtime for Well & Pump personnel to allow for necessary 
repairs for the benefit of the water users, and to assure that water 
deliveries under the Federal Gila Decree are satisfied.
    Comment: The commenter questioned salary escalation for SCIP staff.
    Response: Increases to pay systems and pay schedules is not a 
discretionary authority of the SCIP-JW.
    Comment: The commenter questioned overtime allowance and benefit 
calculations for SCIP staff.
    Response: In response to the District's comment, SCIP re-examined 
its overtime and benefit compensation estimates. The amount of overtime 
that is worked by each employee varies from year to year and is 
influenced by several factors outside of SCIP-JW's control. 
Consequently, the total amount of overtime compensation that will be 
required in any given year is difficult to predict. SCIP-JW has found 
that recent annual overtime compensation averages about 12.5 percent of 
total employee compensation, including benefits. Although some SCIP-JW 
irrigation employees do not work overtime, SCIP-JW believes that the 
method of applying a 12.5 percent overtime adjustment to all personnel 
costs results in a reasonably accurate estimate of overtime costs. Most 
Federal employee benefits (except for health insurance and life 
insurance premiums) do also accrue on overtime compensation. However, 
SCIP-JW will continue to re-evaluate its overtime allowances and 
benefit calculations and determine if adjustments would result in a 
more accurate estimate of overtime compensation. Any revisions will be 
considered in next year's rate assessment proposal.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the need for a Program Assistant 
Position.

[[Page 3866]]

    Response: The updated draft personnel spreadsheet no longer 
includes a Program Assistant position. SCIP-JW is now proposing the 
addition of a Program Analyst position. This position will be 
advertised at a GS 7/9/11 level. By advertising the position at this 
level SCIP-JW hopes to procure the services of a well-qualified 
employee capable of assisting the Supervisory Civil Engineer in 
management decisions, tracking expenditures, and developing accurate 
budgets. The actual cost of the position will be influenced by the 
qualifications of the employee that is hired. The employee will only 
perform work in the SCIP-JW Irrigation Division and therefore the 
employee's entire salary will be paid by the Irrigation Division.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the funding allocation of the 
Project Manager position for oversight of the Irrigation Division and 
suggested that it be something less than 10 percent of the total.
    Response: Historically, the funding ratio for the Project Manager 
has always been 25 percent by the Irrigation Division and 75 percent by 
the Power Division. The Project Manager's oversight of the Irrigation 
Program has increased with the enactment of the Arizona Water 
Settlements Act and the extensive contract and pre-construction 
activities required by this Act. SCIP-JW will evaluate this charge 
annually in conjunction with the fact-finding meetings with the 
District and the other water users.
    Comment: The commenter recommended that the Foreman II, Pump Shop, 
and Pump Shop Mechanic Helper positions be assigned to other entities.
    Response: SCIP-JW will continue to evaluate its staffing 
requirements as the various phases of rehabilitation construction are 
completed. The extent to which the SCIP-JW wells are to be transferred 
from SCIP-JW management is defined in the settlement documents for the 
Arizona Water Settlements Act. SCIP-JW does not believe it is 
reasonable or appropriate at the present time to predict downsizing of 
this staff. There are many contingencies that affect construction 
schedules, such as the rehabilitation construction schedules managed by 
the District under the Arizona Water Settlements Act. We look forward 
to continuing this discussion with the water users in the future. 
Funding for these positions is being retained in the FY 2014 projected 
budget.
    Comment: The commenter requested that BIA evaluate the appropriate 
funding allocation of the Environmental/Archeologist and Secretary 
Positions with the Power Division and provide documentation of labor 
hours for budget reconciliation.
    Response: The SCIP-JW Irrigation Division has estimated the budget 
for the Environmental/Archaeologist position at a rate of 10 percent in 
our proposed O&M budgets. However, SCIP-JW will charge the position's 
services to the Irrigation Division when services are provided to the 
Irrigation Division. This may result in actual charges to the 
Irrigation Division for this position to be greater or less than the 
estimated 10 percent in any given year; actual charges will be 
reflected in the annual reconciliation. The Secretary position has been 
eliminated. We respectfully decline the District's request for copies 
of time sheets, work assignments, work accomplishments, and related 
documents for audit by the District. SCIP-JW will continue to document 
the salary/benefits expenditures for the Environmental/Archaeologist 
position in the annual reconciliations for the Irrigation O&M program. 
SCIP-JW believes that its estimation of the contribution of this staff 
member to the Irrigation Division and the Power Division is reasonable.
    Comment: The commenter believes the salaries for the Dam Tender and 
Laborer position at Coolidge Dam should be shared equally between the 
Irrigation Division and Power Division.
    Response: Dam Tenders are full time Irrigation employees and will 
continue to be funded by Irrigation funds. The work duties of these 
employees are not in any way related to the functions of the Power 
Division.
    Comment: The commenter believes that starting in FY 2014, the drip 
tanks should be removed, rather than replaced.
    Response: We expect the wells to be maintained by SCIP throughout 
FY 2014. However, replacement of the drip oil tanks has been removed 
from the proposed FY 2014 budget. Drip oil will now be purchased 
directly from local suppliers on an as needed basis.
    Comment: The commenter suggested that the revised encroachment 
permit be implemented immediately.
    Response: The revised Encroachment Permit application was 
submitted, along with the recommended FY 2014 assessment rate, to the 
AS-IA for consideration. However, the revised Encroachment Permit 
application and fee schedule was shared with the District and other 
water users during the FY 2014 O&M rate setting process. No comments 
were received on the proposed permit. SCIP-JW will advise the water 
users when further action has been taken on this proposal by the AS-IA.
    Comment: The commenter recommended that costs for meter panels 
should not be included in the SCIP FY 2014 budget or assessment.
    Response: Meter panels are scheduled to be replaced by SCIP-JW 
starting in FY 2014. SCIP-JW will continue to reflect the budgeting for 
this activity until there is better information available concerning 
the anticipated dates for the transfer of maintenance responsibility of 
SCIP-JW wells.
    Comment: The commenter suggests that pumping power costs should not 
be included in the FY 2013 and 2014 budget or the 2014 assessment.
    Response: Budgeting for power for pumping in FY 2014 will continue 
to be carried out assuming that well O&M will continue to be the 
responsibility of SCIP-JW in FY 2014.
    Comment: The commenter suggests that the energy usage rate for new 
facilities be at the same rate used for Project wells.
    Response: All the energy usage accounts have been transferred to 
the JCB.
    Comment: The commenter recommended that the per acre assessment for 
2014 needs to reflect income from all sources (encroachment and 
crossing permits, late payments, excess pumping, wood gathering permits 
and grazing leases) and that income be credited against the 2014 
assessment.
    Response:
     Other water income for FY 2014 has been estimated and is 
included in the current projected budget spreadsheet.
     Excess pumping is highly dependent on the amount of stored 
water available in San Carlos Reservoir, which is impossible to predict 
two years in advance. In many years no income is derived from excess 
pumping.
     The recent administrative practice of the District is to 
pay its assessment one year late, and incur penalty charges under the 
Repayment Contract. However, SCIP-JW is reluctant to memorialize the 
District's recent contract breaches into the annual O&M budget process.
     The combined effect on the assessment rate of income 
derived from encroachment permits, wood permits, and grazing leases is 
projected to be approximately one cent per acre. Consequently, no 
effort will be made to include estimates for these sources of income in 
the projected budgets.
    Comment: The commenter suggests that unexpended funds from prior 
years be de-obligated and made available to meet future expenses.

[[Page 3867]]

    Response: Please refer to the previous response concerning this 
issue.
    Comment: The commenter questioned the current reserve fund balance 
and the future funding allocation for this budget item.
    Response: We do not believe that a change in this budget item is 
reasonable or justified. The $400,000 reserve fund maintained by SCIP-
JW since 2010 is near the minimum amount recommended by BIA policy for 
an irrigation project with annual obligations approaching $3,000,000.
    As a consequence of the current practice of water users to pay 
their assessments a year or more late, SCIP-JW has realized the need to 
maintain a sufficient reserve fund that can be used to sustain 
operations until payments are received. In addition, SCIP-JW has 
recently become aware of the need to increase the amount held in 
reserve for unanticipated expenses. Several expense items in FY 2012 
were either not anticipated or much higher than anticipated when the FY 
2012 irrigation assessment rate was determined in 2010. For example, 
the $117,969 charge on principle and the costs to repair wells not in 
the original well rehabilitation schedule were not foreseen; and the 
electrical charges associated with higher than normal groundwater 
pumping and the annual river commissioner assessment were both 
significantly higher than expected. All of these factors combined 
resulted in more than $400,000 in unanticipated expenses. Consequently, 
the reserve fund for the SCIP-JW will be increased to $550,000 for FY 
2014.
    Comment: The commenter suggested that the responsibility and 
associated contract costs for services provided for wells be removed 
from the FY 2013 and 2014 budget and from the 2014 assessment.
    Response: SCIP-JW will retain responsibility for the wells as 
provided in the Arizona Water Settlements Act. Please refer to the 
previous responses concerning this issue.
    Comment: The commenter suggested that the responsibility and 
associated costs for supplies for the drip oil for pumps be removed 
from the FY 2013 and 2014 budget and the 2014 assessment.
    Response: SCIP will retain responsibility for the wells as provided 
in the Arizona Water Settlements Act. Please refer to the previous 
responses concerning this issue.
    Comment: The commenter believes the costs for utilities that supply 
power for new gates and facilities be removed from the FY 2014 budget 
and assessment.
    Response: Please refer to the previous response concerning this 
issue.
    Comment: The commenter suggests that with potential staffing 
reductions, BIA should review the need for replacement vehicles and 
provide improved justification for this expenditure.
    Response: SCIP-JW will continue to budget for the number of 
replacement vehicles reflected until there is a verified need to reduce 
Irrigation Division staffing. Also, please refer to the previous 
response concerning the issue of possible reduced staffing requirements 
as rehabilitation construction is completed on SCIP facilities.
    Comment: The commenter suggested that the funds estimated for 
equipment necessary for the replacement of the drip oil tanks be 
reduced to reflect only the tank removal costs.
    Response: An item to replace the above ground drip oil tanks is not 
included in the current projected budget. Please refer to the previous 
response concerning the replacement of the drip oil tanks. Also, please 
refer to the previous response related to the transfer of the O&M 
responsibility of SCIP-JW wells.
    Comment: The commenter is displeased with what it views as 
``material deviations from approved budgets.'' The commenter believes 
the Project makes changes to the budget with little or no documentation 
or consultation with the District.
    Response: The BIA disagrees with the District's position on this 
matter. The assumption that SCIP-JW is limited to an approved budget in 
any given year is misplaced. SCIP-JW updates its O&M budget regularly 
as more information becomes available from the time the O&M budget is 
prepared two years in advance for rate setting purposes, to the fiscal 
year in which SCIP-JW performs the actual work. The SCIP-JW provides 
the District with an update on SCIP-JW's budget at nearly every monthly 
District Board meeting, at regularly scheduled water user meetings, and 
upon specific request from the District.

One Comment Was Received Concerning the Wind River Irrigation Project

    A written comment relating to the FY 2013 proposed O&M rate for the 
Wind River Irrigation Project was received by an undated letter from a 
project water user. The commenter was opposed to any O&M rate 
increases, based on their concerns about the project's ability to 
deliver water to portions of the project and the potential formation of 
water user groups that might impact project funding opportunities.
    Response: At this time, the BIA does not have discretionary funding 
to supplement O&M revenues. Without the necessary O&M rate increases, 
lack of adequate funds could result in the inability of the project to 
maintain irrigation system components and deliver water. The BIA 
remains committed to working with all project water users to review and 
develop options for cost savings and alternate revenue sources. If 
water users are interested in assuming the O&M responsibilities for 
their project, the BIA will consider proposals and work with the 
appropriate parties to facilitate the transfer of these functions. For 
those farm units where BIA determines that our irrigation facilities 
are not capable of delivering adequate irrigation water, an Annual 
Assessment Waiver can be granted to waive the O&M assessment.

Does this notice affect me?

    This notice affects you if you own or lease land within the 
assessable acreage of one of our irrigation projects or if you have a 
carriage agreement with one of our irrigation projects.

Where can I get information on the regulatory and legal citations in 
this notice?

    You can contact the appropriate office(s) stated in the tables for 
the irrigation project that serves you, or you can use the Internet 
site for the Government Printing Office at www.gpo.gov.

What authorizes you to issue this notice?

    Our authority to issue this notice is vested in the Secretary of 
the Interior by 5 U.S.C. 301 and the Act of August 14, 1914 (38 Stat. 
583; 25 U.S.C. 385). The Secretary has in turn delegated this authority 
to the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs under Part 209, Chapter 
8.1A, of the Department of the Interior's Departmental Manual.

Whom can I contact for further information?

    The following tables are the regional and project/agency contacts 
for our irrigation facilities.

[[Page 3868]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Project Name                    Project/Agency Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Northwest Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Stanley Speaks, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest
   Regional Office, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4169,
                       Telephone: (503) 231-6702.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fort Hall Irrigation Project......  Dean Fox, Superintendent Fort Hall
                                     Agency, P.O. Box 220, Fort Hall, ID
                                     83203-0220, Telephone: (208) 238-
                                     2301.
Wapato Irrigation Project.........  Edwin Lewis, Project Administrator,
                                     Wapato Irrigation Project, P.O. Box
                                     220, Wapato, WA 98951-0220,
                                     Telephone: (509) 877-3155.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Rocky Mountain Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ed Parisian, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rocky Mountain
     Regional Office, 316 North 26th Street, Billings, Montana 59101
                       Telephone: (406) 247-7943.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackfeet Irrigation Project......  Stephen Pollock, Superintendent,
                                     Greg Tatsey, Irrigation Project
                                     Manager, Box 880, Browning, MT
                                     59417 Telephones: (406) 338-7544,
                                     Superintendent, (406) 338-7519,
                                     Irrigation Project Manager.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crow Irrigation Project...........  Vianna Stewart, Superintendent
                                     Vacant, Irrigation Project Manager,
                                     P.O. Box 69, Crow Agency, MT 59022
                                     Telephones: (406) 638-2672,
                                     Superintendent (406) 638-2863,
                                     Irrigation Project Manager.
Fort Belknap Irrigation Project...  Cliff Hall, Superintendent Vacant,
                                     Irrigation Project Manager,
                                     (Project operations & management
                                     contracted to Tribes) R.R.1, Box
                                     980, Harlem, MT 59526, Telephones:
                                     (406) 353-2901, Superintendent
                                     (406) 353-8454, Irrigation Project
                                     Manager (Tribal Office).
Fort Peck Irrigation Project......  Rhonda Knudsen, Superintendent, P.O.
                                     Box 637, Poplar, MT 59255, Huber
                                     Wright, Acting Irrigation Project
                                     Manager, 602 6th Avenue North, Wolf
                                     Point, MT 59201, Telephones: (406)
                                     768-5312, Superintendent (406) 653-
                                     1752, Irrigation Project Manager.
Wind River Irrigation Project.....  Ray Nation, Superintendent Brent
                                     Allen, Irrigation Project Manager,
                                     P.O. Box 158, Fort Washakie, WY
                                     82514, Telephones: (307) 332-7810,
                                     Superintendent, (307) 332-2596,
                                     Irrigation Project Manager.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Southwest Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     William T. Walker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
  Southwest Regional Office, 1001 Indian School Road, Albuquerque, New
                Mexico 87104, Telephone: (505) 563-3100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pine River Irrigation Project.....  John Waconda, Superintendent Vacant,
                                     Irrigation Systems Operator,
                                     Irrigation Engineer, P.O. Box 315,
                                     Ignacio, CO 81137-0315, Telephones:
                                     (970) 563-4511, Superintendent,
                                     (970) 563-9484, Irrigation
                                     Engineer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Western Region Contacts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Bryan Bowker, Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western
   Regional Office, 2600 N. Central Ave., 4th Floor Mailroom, Phoenix,
                Arizona 85004, Telephone: (602) 379-6600.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River....................  Janice Staudte, Superintendent Gary
Irrigation Project................   Colvin, Acting Irrigation Project
                                     Manager, 12124 1st Avenue, Parker,
                                     AZ 85344, Telephone: (928) 669-
                                     7111.
Duck Valley Irrigation Project....  Joseph McDade, Superintendent, 1555
                                     Shoshone Circle, Elko, NV 89801,
                                     Telephone: (775) 738-0569.
Fort Yuma Irrigation Project......  Irene Herder, Superintendent, 256
                                     South Second Avenue, Suite D, Yuma,
                                     AZ 85364, Telephone: (928) 782-
                                     1202.
San Carlos Irrigation Project       Ferris Begay, Acting Project
 Joint Works.                        Manager, Clarence Begay, Irrigation
                                     Manager, P.O. Box 250, Coolidge, AZ
                                     85228, Telephone: (520) 723-6203.
San Carlos Irrigation Project       Cecilia Martinez, Superintendent,
 Indian Works.                       Pima Agency, Land Operations, P.O.
                                     Box 8, Sacaton, AZ 85247,
                                     Telephone: (520) 562-3326,
                                     Telephone: (520) 562-3372.
Uintah Irrigation Project.........  Dinah Peltier, Acting
                                     Superintendent, P.O. Box 130, Fort
                                     Duchesne, UT 84026, Telephone:
                                     (435) 722-4300, Telephone: (435)
                                     722-4341.
Walker River Irrigation Project...  Athena Brown, Superintendent, 311 E.
                                     Washington Street, Carson City, NV
                                     89701, Telephone: (775) 887-3500.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What irrigation assessments or charges are adjusted by this notice?

    The rate table below contains the current rates for all irrigation 
projects where we recover costs of administering, operating, 
maintaining, and rehabilitating them. The table also contains the final 
rates for the 2013 season and subsequent years where applicable. An 
asterisk immediately following the name of the project notes the 
irrigation projects where 2013 are different from the 2012 rates.

                                           Northwest Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Project name                           Rate category           Final 2012 rate  Final 2013 rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fort Hall Irrigation Project *...............  Basic per acre.................           $45.50           $47.00
                                               Minimum Charge per tract.......            32.50            32.50
Fort Hall Irrigation Project--Minor Units *..  Basic per acre.................            23.50            24.00
                                               Minimum Charge per tract.......            32.50            32.50
Fort Hall Irrigation Project--Michaud *......  Basic per acre.................            45.00            47.50

[[Page 3869]]

 
                                               Pressure per acre..............            62.00            65.50
                                               Minimum Charge per tract.......            32.50            32.50
Wapato Irrigation Project--Toppenish/Simcoe    Minimum Charge for per bill....            20.00            21.00
 Units *.
                                               Basic per acre.................            20.00            21.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Ahtanum Units *...  Minimum Charge per bill........            20.00            24.00
                                               Basic per acre.................            20.00            24.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Satus Unit *......  Minimum Charge for per bill....            65.00            71.00
                                               ``A'' Basic per acre...........            65.00            71.00
                                               ``B'' Basic per acre...........            70.00            77.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Additional Works*.  Minimum Charge per bill........            67.00            71.00
                                               Basic per acre.................            67.00            71.00
Wapato Irrigation Project--Water Rental*.....  Minimum Charge.................            72.00            79.00
                                               Basic per acre.................            72.00            79.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Rocky Mountain Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Project name                           Rate category           Final 2012 rate  Final 2013 rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackfeet Irrigation Project*................  Basic-per acre.................           $19.00           $19.50
Crow Irrigation Project--Willow Creek O&M      Basic-per acre.................            23.30            23.80
 (includes Agency, Lodge Grass 1,
 Lodge Grass 2, Reno, Upper Little
 Horn, and Forty Mile Units)*.
Crow Irrigation Project--All Others (includes  Basic-per acre.................            23.00            23.50
 Bighorn, Soap Creek, and Pryor Units)*.
Crow Irrigation Two Leggins Drainage District  Basic-per acre.................             2.00             2.00
Fort Belknap Irrigation Project*.............  Basic-per acre.................            14.75            15.00
Fort Peck Irrigation Project*................  Basic-per acre.................            24.70            25.00
Wind River Irrigation Project--Units 2, 3 and  Basic-per acre.................            20.00            21.00
 4*.
Wind River Irrigation Project -LeClair         Basic-per acre.................            20.00            30.84
 District * (see Note 1).
Wind River Irrigation Project--Crow Heart      Basic-per acre.................            14.00            17.10
 Unit*.
Wind River Irrigation Project--A Canal Unit*.  Basic-per acre.................            14.00            13.60
Wind River Irrigation Project--Riverton        Basic-per acre.................            16.00            16.00
 Valley Irrigation District.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                           Southwest Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Project name                           Rate category           Final 2012 rate  Final 2013 rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pine River Irrigation Project................  Minimum Charge per tract.......           $50.00           $50.00
                                               Basic-per acre.................            15.00            15.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                            Western Region Rate Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Proposed 2014
          Project name                Rate category       Final 2012 rate    Final 2013 rate          rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River Irrigation        Basic per acre up to    $54.00...........  $54.00...........  To be determined.
 Project.                         5.75 acre-feet.
                                 Excess Water per acre-  $17.00...........  $17.00...........
                                  foot over 5.75 acre-
                                  feet.
Duck Valley Irrigation Project.  Basic per acre........  $5.30............  $5.30............
Fort Yuma Irrigation Project     Basic per acre up to    $86.00...........  $86.00...........
 (See Note 2).           5.0 acre-feet.
                                 Excess Water per acre-  $14.00...........  $14.00...........
                                  foot over 5.0 acre-
                                  feet.
                                 Basic per acre up to    $86.00...........  $86.00...........
                                  5.0 acre-feet (Ranch
                                  5).
San Carlos Irrigation Project    Basic per acre........  $30.00...........  $30.00...........  $30.00
 (Joint Works) (See Note 3).
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Final 2012--2013 Construction Water Rate Schedule:
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Off Project......  On Project.......  On Project
                                                         Construction.....  Construction--...  Construction--
                                                                            Gravity Water....  Pump Water
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
                                 Administrative Fee....  $300.00..........  $300.00..........  $300.00
                                 Usage Fee.............  $250.00 per month  No Fee...........  $100.00 per acre-
                                                                                                foot
                                 Excess Water            $5 per 1000 gal..  No charge........  No charge
                                  Rate[dagger].

[[Page 3870]]

 
                                 [dagger]The excess water rate applies to all water used in excess of 50,000
                                  gallons in any one month.
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Carlos Irrigation Project    Basic per acre........  $73.00...........  $81.00...........  To be determined.
 (Indian Works) * (See Note
 4).
Uintah Irrigation Project......  Basic per acre........  $16.00...........  $16.00...........
                                 Minimum Bill..........  $25.00...........  $25.00...........
Walker River Irrigation Project  Indian per acre.......  $25.00...........  $28.00...........
 *.
                                 non-Indian per acre...  $25.00...........  $28.00...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Notes irrigation projects where rates are proposed for adjustment.
Note 1--The O&M rate varies yearly based upon the budget submitted by the LeClair District.
Note 2--The O&M rate for the Fort Yuma Irrigation Project has two components. The first component is
  the O&M rate established by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the owner and operator of the Project. The BOR
  rate for 2013 is yet to be determined. The second component is for the O&M rate established by BIA to cover
  administrative costs including billing and collections for the Project. The 2013 BIA rate remains unchanged at
  $7.00/acre. The rates shown include the 2012 Reclamation rate and the 2013 BIA rate. The rates shown include
  the estimated FY 2013 rate.
Note 3--The 2013 rate was established by final notice in the Federal Register on February 23, 2012
  (Vol. 77 No. 36, page 10767). In addition, a Construction Water Rate Schedule for the San Carlos Irrigation
  Project--Joint Works is now being formally established. The rate schedule establishes the fees assessed for
  use of irrigation water for non-irrigation purposes. This notice establishes $30/acre as the rate in FY 2014
  for the Joint Works.
Note 4--The 2013 O&M rate for the San Carlos Irrigation Project--Indian Works has three components. The
  first component is the O&M rate established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project--Indian Works, the owner and
  operator of the Project; this rate is proposed to be $43 per acre. The second component is for the O&M rate
  established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project--Joint Works and is determined to be $30.00 per acre. The
  third component is the O&M rate established by the San Carlos Irrigation Project Joint Control Board and is
  proposed to be $ 8 per acre.

Consultation and Coordination With Tribal Governments (Executive Order 
13175)

    To fulfill its consultation responsibility to tribes and tribal 
organizations, BIA communicates, coordinates, and consults on a 
continuing basis with these entities on issues of water delivery, water 
availability, and costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and 
rehabilitation of projects that concern them. This is accomplished at 
the individual irrigation project by Project, Agency, and Regional 
representatives, as appropriate, in accordance with local protocol and 
procedures. This notice is one component of our overall coordination 
and consultation process to provide notice to, and request comments 
from, these entities when we adjust irrigation assessment rates.

Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211)

    The rate adjustments will have no adverse effects on energy supply, 
distribution, or use (including a shortfall in supply, price increases, 
and increase use of foreign supplies) should the proposed rate 
adjustments be implemented. This is a notice for rate adjustments at 
BIA-owned and operated irrigation projects, except for the Fort Yuma 
Irrigation Project. The Fort Yuma Irrigation Project is owned and 
operated by the Bureau of Reclamation with a portion serving the Fort 
Yuma Reservation.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    These rate adjustments are not a significant regulatory action and 
do not need to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under 
Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These rate adjustments are not a rule for the purposes of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act because they establish ``a rule of 
particular applicability relating to rates.'' 5 U.S.C. 601(2).

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    These rate adjustments do not impose an unfunded mandate on State, 
local, or tribal governments in the aggregate, or on the private 
sector, of more than $130 million per year. The rule does not have a 
significant or unique effect on State, local, or tribal governments or 
the private sector. Therefore, the Department is not required to 
prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not 
have significant ``takings'' implications. The rate adjustments do not 
deprive the public, state, or local governments of rights or property. 
Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
    The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not 
have significant Federalism effects because they will not affect the 
States, the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among various 
levels of government.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In issuing this rule, the Department has taken the necessary steps 
to eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, minimize potential 
litigation, and provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct, as 
required by section 3 of Executive Order 12988.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    These rate adjustments do not affect the collections of information 
which have been approved by the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995. The OMB Control Number is 1076-0141 and expires March 31, 
2016.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Department has determined that these rate adjustments do not 
constitute

[[Page 3871]]

a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment and that no detailed statement is required under the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370(d)).

Data Quality Act

    In developing this notice, we did not conduct or use a study, 
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act 
(Pub. L. 106-554).

    Dated: January 15, 2014.
Kevin K. Washburn,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2014-01280 Filed 1-22-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-W7-P