The Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is seeking public comment on its plan to accept funds from Jordan Cove Energy Project, L.P. to review potential effects to the Coos Bay Federal Navigation Channel, in accordance with 33 USC 408 (Section 408). The Portland District will review Jordan Cove Energy Project L.P.’s proposed request to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas terminal on the bay side of the north spit of Coos Bay in Coos County, Oregon. An access channel would be constructed from the Coos Bay Federal Navigation Channel to the proposed terminal marine slip. The project also includes the construction and operation of an underground natural gas pipeline from Klamath County to the proposed terminal. This Section 408 review will evaluate whether any Corps authorized civil works projects may be affected by the proposed marine slip and access channel. The Corps may accept and expend these funds pursuant to Section 214 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2014 (Public Law No. 106-541), as amended, which provides that the Secretary of the Army, after public notice, may accept and expend funds contributed by a non-federal public entity, natural gas companies, or public utility company to expedite the evaluation of a permit of that entity related to a project or activity for a public purpose under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army. In doing so, the Secretary must ensure that the use of such funds will not impact impartial decision making with respect to permits, either substantively or procedurally. A public notice describing this action is available for public review and comment on the Corps’ Portland District website at www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/Announcements.aspx. For questions, comments regarding the Public Notice or to request a copy, call Marci Johnson at 503-808-4765 or e-mail Marci.E.Johnson@usace.army.mil. Comments also can be submitted by mailing them to: District Engineer, Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Ms. Marci E. Johnsonm, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR 97208-2946. Comments must be postmarked by Jan. 4, 2016, and should reference Public Notice Number PM-F-JCLNG-2015.
