Federal government would transfer San Carlos Irrigation Project’s electric system

The Interior secretary would transfer the project’s electric system and related assets. The transfer covers power lines, distribution equipment, and existing rights to use land for them. It excludes Coolidge Dam, its generating equipment, the powerhouse connection lines, and the dam’s switchyard. The secretary would have to plan the transfer with affected governments and private groups. The transfer would preserve the secretary’s project responsibilities under the specified part of the Arizona Water Settlements Act.

Recipients would pay the transfer’s administrative costs, and the 1991 law’s property-return rule would not apply. These terms cover the transfer of the project’s electric system and related assets. If the secretary determines federal money may be needed to help complete the transfer, the secretary would have to send Congress information showing the need.

The Interior secretary could make contracts to sell or manage Bureau of Indian Affairs electric systems. Contracts could cover sales, operations, upkeep, repairs, or moving government-owned equipment for any electric utility system run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The recipient must be the Tribe served or another entity the Tribe and secretary agree on. The secretary must consider the terms to serve federal and Tribal interests. Before signing, the secretary must send the contract and reasons to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources and House Natural Resources committees, then wait 60 days. Time when either chamber is in recess for more than three days does not count. The wait can end sooner if the secretary is notified that neither committee objects.