Agency to put $5.7 million in river project this year
By: Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Placer County Water Agency is planning to spend $5.7 million on its Middle Fork American River Project relicensing efforts this year.
Entering the fourth year of a an eight-year, $30 million administrative-and-environmental review, the agency is moving toward a 2013 renewal of its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permit.
The agency's board of directors approved task orders at a recent meeting to continue work of six environmental consulting firms through the coming year. The 2008 task orders total $5.7 million.
"There is going to be a lot of intensive field work this year," said Mal Toy, director of resource development.
The middle fork project combines reservoirs, powerhouses and water conveyance facilities on the middle fork American River watershed in the Sierra. The network stores water, produces hydroelectricity and provides public recreational facilities.
The Auburn-based water agency built the project under a federal power license granted in 1963. It's up for renewal in five years.
