The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issues licenses granting rights to develop and maintain hydropower facilities on federal infrastructure. The lock and dam system on the upper Mississippi River within the St. Paul District is especially sought after for new hydropower opportunities. The purpose of this program is primarily for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to evaluate FERC licensee proposals for hydropower generation on St. Paul District property utilizing USACE infrastructure.

Status

Recently, the St. Paul District has been involved in monitoring the license transfer at Lock and Dam 2 from the city of Hastings to J. P. Brennan as the new operators of that hydropower generation. Additionally, the district has been monitoring the bladder failure and necessary repairs at Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam associated with Brookfield’s hydropower generation, which has had a measurable effect on pool elevation.

Authority

The licensing of hydropower facilities by FERC is governed by Part I of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S. Code 791(a)–825(r). Coordination between FERC and USACE regarding FERC licensing of hydropower at USACE facilities is also governed by a July 20, 2016, memorandum of agreement between the agencies.

Funding

Funding for FERC-related administrative activities and permit review is requested annually from USACE Headquarters. The annual sum received is typically $5,000. More in-depth activities such as prelicensing, coordination during construction and relicensing are typically funded under the operation and maintenance program. Some of these costs are reimbursable by the licensee to the U.S. Treasury Department through annual charges by FERC.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FERC

hydropower

St. Paul District

Upper St. Anthony Falls

Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Hydropower

Mississippi Valley Division

Crown Hydro