Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Invites Tribal Participation in Licensing Process for Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a letter inviting the Narragansett Indian Tribe to participate in the licensing process for the proposed Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project. The project, proposed by WW OP Zone Fund 1, LLC, would be located on the South Branch of the Pawtuxet River in Kent County, Rhode Island. FERC encourages the Tribe to participate early in the process to ensure that their interests are addressed. The Commission has also made it clear that they are open to meeting with Tribal staff to discuss the licensing process and how the Tribe can participate to the fullest extent possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 160 kilowatts, is located on the South Branch of the Pawtuxet River in Kent County, Rhode Island.
  • The project's license applicant, WW OP Zone Fund 1, LLC, filed a notice of intent (NOI) and pre-application document (PAD) on May 19, 2025, to initiate the pre-filing process.
  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has invited the Narragansett Indian Tribe to participate in the licensing process, which includes informing the Commission if the Tribe has an interest in participating and meeting with Commission staff to discuss the process.
  • The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing, with comments limited to 6,000 characters, and has made it clear that they are open to meeting with Tribal staff.
  • A response from the Tribe is requested by July 28, 2025, with the Commission willing to meet with Tribal staff to discuss the process and how the Tribe can participate.
  • The Commission has designated a point of contact, Amanda Gill, for any questions or comments from the Tribe, with her email address - amanda.gill@ferc.gov - and phone number - (202) 502-6773.

Statistics:

  • The proposed Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project has a capacity of 160 kilowatts.
  • The project's license applicant, WW OP Zone Fund 1, LLC, filed a notice of intent (NOI) and pre-application document (PAD) on May 19, 2025.
  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has requested a response from the Narragansett Indian Tribe by July 28, 2025.
  • The Commission has designated a point of contact, Amanda Gill, with her email address - amanda.gill@ferc.gov - and phone number - (202) 502-6773.

Sources:

  • FERC Correspondence with Tribal Governments: FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20426 June 27, 2025 OFFICE OF ENERGY PROJECTS Project No. 15403-000 - Rhode Island Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project WW OP Zone Fund 1, LLC VIA USPS FIRST-CLASS MAIL Chief Sachem Anthony Stanton Narragansett Indian Tribe P.O. Box 268 Charlestown, RI 02813 John Brown, THPO Narragansett Indian Tribe 4425 S. County Trail Charlestown, RI 02813 Nancy Brown-Garcia, Deputy THPO Narragansett Indian Tribe 4425 S. County Trail Charlestown, RI 02813.