Approval of the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Hydroelectric (SKQ) Project for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2026

Strategic Insights -

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Northwest Regional Office has submitted the FY 2024 Annual Report and FY 2026 Work Plan for the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Hydroelectric (SKQ) Project (FERC No. 5) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The report and work plan have undergone review and technical discussion, focusing on monitoring potential effects of project operations on trust resources and minimizing impacts to mitigation lands. Following this review, the Secretary of the Interior has approved the FY 2024 Annual Report and FY 2026 Work Plan, along with the associated budget.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FY 2024 Annual Report and FY 2026 Work Plan for the SKQ Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 5) have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior.
  • The report and work plan underwent technical review, with a focus on monitoring effects associated with project operations on trust resources and minimizing impacts to mitigation lands.
  • The approval includes the associated budget for FY 2026, outlined in Section 2.1 of the work plan.
  • The project's natural resource provisions have implemented ongoing efforts and progress in minimizing environmental impacts.
  • The Regional Hydropower Program Manager, Steve Lewis, is available for questions or concerns at (360) 614-5896 or stephen.lewis@bia.gov.
  • The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation have been actively engaged in the clarification of technical elements associated with the project.

Statistics:

  • Project FERC No.: 5
  • Project Location: Flathead Reservation, Montana
  • FY 2026 Projected Budget: Section 2.1 of the FY 2026 Work Plan outlines the budget
  • Approval Date: Potentially on or after June 18, 2025

Sources:

  • United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS Northwest Regional Office 911 Northeast 11 th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97232
  • The Honorable Tom McDonald Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation Post Office Box 278 Pablo, Montana 59855-0278
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
  • Steve Lewis, Regional Hydropower Program Manager, BIA Bureau Office, (360) 614-5896 or stephen.lewis@bia.gov.