2016-03614. Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) regulations, 18 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 380, the Office of Energy Projects has reviewed the application for original license for the Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 11 Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 14276-002). The proposed project would be located on the Kentucky River in Estill and Madison Counties, Kentucky, at the existing Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 11 which is owned by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and operated by the Kentucky River Authority. The project would not occupy federal land.

Staff prepared an environmental assessment (EA), which analyzes the potential environmental effects of licensing the project, and concludes that licensing the project, with appropriate environmental protection measures, would not constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment.

A copy of the EA is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits, in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at [e-mail] or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, [phone].

You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support.

Any comments should be filed within 30 days from the date of this notice. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. Please file comments using the Commission's eFiling system at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support. In lieu of electronic filing, please send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. The first page of any filing should include “Kentucky River Lock and Dam No. 11 Hydroelectric Project No. 14276-002.”

For further information, contact Sarah Salazar at [phone], or by email at [e-mail].

Dated: February 12, 2016.

Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,

Deputy Secretary.