Request for Time Extension for Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The City of Tacoma has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a time extension to revise the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project's Exhibit G-3 drawings. The current deadline for this revision is June 30, 2025, but Tacoma Power requires additional time to complete the updated drawings. The city has retained a surveying/engineering firm to assist with the revised drawings, but the consultant is still working on the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Tacoma is seeking a six-month time extension to December 31, 2025, to revise the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project's Exhibit G-3 drawings.
  • The current deadline for this revision is June 30, 2025, but Tacoma Power needs additional time to complete the updated drawings.
  • The city has retained a surveying/engineering firm to assist with the revised drawings, which are expected to be completed soon.
  • The revised drawings will reflect changes to the project boundary near the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery.
  • The City of Tacoma will provide the completed drawings to FERC for approval once they are ready.
  • On March 9, 2017, FERC issued an order requiring the City of Tacoma to revise the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project's Exhibit G-3 drawings.
  • The executed agreement with the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) was provided to FERC on December 10, 2024.
  • FERC granted Tacoma Power an extension until June 30, 2025, to provide the revised Exhibit G-3 drawings on January 16, 2025.

Statistics:

  • The City of Tacoma has requested a six-month time extension to December 31, 2025, to revise the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project's Exhibit G-3 drawings.
  • The current deadline for this revision is June 30, 2025.
  • The project boundary near the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery will be revised to reflect changes to the project.
  • The surveying/engineering firm retained by the City of Tacoma will complete the revised drawings soon.
  • The revised drawings will be provided to FERC for approval once they are ready.

Sources:

  • CITY OF TACOMA to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary Debbie-Anne Reese, March 9, 2017.
  • Executed document providing property interests for the portion of state land occupied by the Project recreational facilities to enable their inclusion within the Project boundary, dated December 10, 2024.
  • CITY OF TACOMA to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary Debbie-Anne Reese, January 16, 2025.