Consent 3.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
Community Development
- Meeting Date:
- 09/11/2012
- Title:
- MOU from the BLM Concerning Cooperating Agency Status on the Southline Transmission Line Project
- Submitted By:
- Mike Turisk, Community Development
- Department:
- Community Development
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
1
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
n/a
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
n/a
Docket Number (If applicable):
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) accepting Cooperating Agency status for Cochise County from the BLM in the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and possible land use amendments for the Southline Transmission Line Project, and sign the Cover Letter requesting Coordinating Agency status on the Southline Transmission Line Project.
Background:
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental and land use impacts of the proposed Southline Transmission Line Project, a 225-mile, 345-kV and 230-kV transmission line between existing substations at Afton, NM and Apache, AZ.
On May 22, 2012, the Board of Supervisors sent formal response to the BLM requesting Coordinating Agency status for the Southline Transmission Line Project. The BLM recently responded with the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which, if signed by the Chair, would formally establish a Cooperating Agency relationship, not a Coordinating Agency relationship as the County had requested in May. The attached response from the County (to be signed by the Chair and attached to the signed MOU) would formally accept Cooperating Agency status, but would also remind the BLM of our need for Coordinating Agency status on the Project.
In Attachment C of the MOU, James E. Vlahovich would be listed as a Backup Agency Representative for Chairman Searle.
On May 22, 2012, the Board of Supervisors sent formal response to the BLM requesting Coordinating Agency status for the Southline Transmission Line Project. The BLM recently responded with the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which, if signed by the Chair, would formally establish a Cooperating Agency relationship, not a Coordinating Agency relationship as the County had requested in May. The attached response from the County (to be signed by the Chair and attached to the signed MOU) would formally accept Cooperating Agency status, but would also remind the BLM of our need for Coordinating Agency status on the Project.
In Attachment C of the MOU, James E. Vlahovich would be listed as a Backup Agency Representative for Chairman Searle.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
Have the Chairman sign and send the MOU and cover letter.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
The County would not accept Cooperating Agency status from the BLM in the preparation of the proposed EIS and potential land use plan amendments for the Southline Transmission Line Project.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Please send the MOU and cover letter directly to the Bureau of Land Management: C/o Bill Childress, District Manager Las Cruces District Office Bureau of Land Management 1800 Marquess Street Las Cruces, NM 8805-3371; and
Frances Martinez, Realty Specialist Las Cruces District Office Southline Transmission Project 1800 Marquess Street Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
Frances Martinez, Realty Specialist Las Cruces District Office Southline Transmission Project 1800 Marquess Street Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005