Commenting period closed April 3
The commenting period for Western’s public processes develop the Transmission Infrastructure Program’s policies and practices (Read the FRN) came to a close April 3, 2009. Western has published the final list of comments received.
Public meeting generates questions, comments
Check out the TIP line blog for responses to some questions and comments from the Mar. 23 public meeting. Additionally, you can:
Two public processes launched
On March 4, Western began two public processes related to this Program. The first is to develop the Transmission Infrastructure Program’s policies and practices. Individuals with questions about this public process are directed to the Federal Register notice outlining this process. Questions and comments can also be sent to txprogram@wapa.gov.
Western is also beginning a second concurrent public process to help identify the first round of transmission projects to be developed under the new borrowing authority. Through the Request for Interest process, the public is invited to make Western aware of potential transmission projects by submitting Statements of Interest. Parties wishing to submit a Statement of Interest should download the entire Request for Interest and Credit Application. To be assured consideration, all SOIs should be submitted in a non-confidential manner and received by Western on April 3, 2009. Individuals with questions regarding the RFI process or SOIs are directed to the RFI that will be posted on Western’s public Website. Questions, comments and SOIs can be sent to txrfi@wapa.gov.
Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is an unprecendented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief and protect those in greatest need.
Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Western Area Power Administration will construct, finance, facilitate, plan, operate, maintain, and/or study construction of new or upgraded electric power transmission lines and related facilities (with at least one terminus in Western’s marketing area) that deliver or facilitate the delivery of power from renewable resources constructed or reasonably expected to be constructed after the date of enactment of the Recovery Act.
The Recovery Act provides Western new authority to construct transmission lines to help deliver renewable resources to market and, importantly, provides a source of funds for this activity. Program goals are to:
- Construct and/or upgrade transmission lines to help deliver renewable resources to market.
- Select, study, and/or build projects under this authority that are in the public interest.
- Solicit public input in identifying potential projects.
- Ensure projects do not adversely impact system reliability or operations, or other statutory obligations.
- Ensure projects are economically feasible and are adequate to repay project costs.
- Leverage borrowing authority by partnering with others.
Agency Plans and Reports
Federal staffing
A new Transmission Infrastructure Program organization was established with an initial six full-time Federal employees. Vacancy announcements for these positions are being posted to USAjobs. Two full-time temporary positions were also established in CFO and General Counsel’s Office. The Program is expected to grow over time. Additional numbers and types of federal positions will be determined after selection of the projects. Private sector employment will be determined based on project-specific requirements.
Procurement
Western will use its existing procurement authority to acquire supplies and services needed to implement this new authority under the Recovery Act. Procurement plans will be developed to support specific projects as they are identified.
Contracting Opportunities
Acquisition forecasts will be developed after the project-specific requirements are known. Notices for proposed contract actions to acquire supplies or services (including construction) will be posted on FedBizOpps as applicable. Additional information is available at the "Doing Business with Western" section of this website.
Learn more about the program
Program information will be provided once the public process is completed.
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