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SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Background Information
Economic Update and Design Modifications
A 1 icense appl ication for the Susi tna Hydroelectric Project
was submitted in February 1983, based on a feasibiliaty study
completed in 1982 and a recommendation by the Alaska Power* Author-
ity Board of Directors. That application, now being evaluated by
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commi ssi on FERC), must be approved
and a license issued before construction can begfn.
"$be Harra-$baseas Sus-B" tna Lpolent Venture Harza-Ebasco) is the
design contractor for the Susitna project. Their first task was a
detailed review of the design concept and cost estimates. This
review considered new results of ons~ing project studies and
revised economic and population projections. Results of the wint%r
geotechnical program and more intens2 hydrologic stud'ies were
especial 1 y important.
Resui ts of that project review fall into two areas:
0 Economic and financial update based on declining oil
prices worldwide,
" Design refinements and resulting cost savings'based on
more cornb)l ele information.
As pressnted in the FERC 1 icense app?icatiow, the Susitna
Hydr~electric Project consists of two phases. The first, the
Watana dam, is pianned as ao 885-foot earth and rockfill structure
cweating a reservoir 48 miles long, w-ith an installed capacity of
1020 megawatts. The second phase is the Devil Crnyon dam, a 646
foot high concrete thin arch dam. The Devil Canyon installation
would have a capacity of 600 megawatts and a 26 mile long reser-
voivj",
The Eaatana portion of the project, scheduled to be aroducing
power in 1993, will be a rock esnbanlcment with a central il:ipervious
core. Two diversion tunnels (38 feet in diameter, 4100 feet long)
are planned to divert the river during construction. Water will
pass through six power conduits to an underground powerhouse
conta'ning six generating units. Transformers will connect to a
surface swi tchyard where the power will enter the transmission
system. The project has been designed with two spil~lways. The
main spillway can discharge water up to the probable maximum flow.
The probable maximum flow can be discharged through z! separate
emergency fuse plug spil lwav.
The Devil Canyon facility is planned to begin operating in
2002. Its design also includes a diversion tunnel, power intake
structure, four penstock tunnels, an underground powe!rhouse with
four geceratiog units, and two spillways.
The Susitna feasibility study conc'uded that this dam concept
was economical ly feasible and preferabt e to ather a1 te~rnativer for
providing needed electrical energy to the Railbelt. Current work
is aimed at refining the design concept, reassessing the project's
economic feasibil ity in 1 ight of changing factors, and determining
the most cost effect~ve, optimal project under today's conditions.
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL UPDATE
The economic and financial update has been prepared to reflect
changes in world oil prices arid resulting changes in forecasts of
Alaskan economic conditions. Higher oil prices provide greater
resources to build the Susitna Project. They also affect estimates
of population growth and energy demand. Lower oil prices produce
the opposite effzct. When oil prices dropped, it was necessary to
reexamine the assumptions used in tbe Susitna license application
and take an updated look at the economic and financial feasibility.
Changes in some of the major assumptions include:
" The mid-range estimate of oil prices used in the license
application estimated price per barrel of oil in 1993 to
be $46, rising by 2010 to $65. More conservative current
planning estimates with changes in world oil price range
from $22 to 950 per barrel in 2010. Reduced oil revenues
based on the lower prices will re2irce State revenues
according1 y.
" Population growth will a1 so slow with reduced oil ?rites,
The range of Railbelt population estimates used ir! the
feasibility study was 539,000 to 595,000 in 2010. Updated
popalation forecasts are in the range of 500,000 to
using the ISER "Man-in-the-Arctic" program and
the "Rail be1 t Electricity Demandn model f ,
" Less population growth means a lower growth rate for
energy demand. The license application esibimated a
Railbelt: need for 6.3 billion to 11.4 billiorr kilowatt
hours in 2010. With changes in assu:lptions, $:he update
projects a range of 5.8 to 6.5 billion kilowatt hours.
All of these modifications have been considered in reexamining
the economic and financial feasibility of the project. TIqe results
of the update show that the project remafns economically feasible
under the revised projections. Using the lowest oil price projec-
tions produces the most marginal advantage over thermal a1 lerna-
tives. If oil prices increase at all beyond the lowes'i; alterna-
tives, the economic feasibility of the project will also increase.
State decisions on financing the project will affect the cost of
electricity from Susitna in comparison with a1 temative thermal
projects.
DESIGN REFINEME;jTS a,
Detailed review of layouts and costs, the winter geotechnical
program, and detai 1 ed f 1 ood hydro1 ogy studies have 1 ed 'to several
recommended design changes. The total savings due to these changes
would be 8421 million. The following design modifica1:ions have
been recommended for the Watana project.
0 Reduction in the amount of foundation rock to be excavat-
ed by 3.5 million cubic yards.
i
r"/
" Change in composition and configuration of the dam to use
more materials available from excavation.
" Combined approach channel to power intake and main
spillway.
O Change in orientation of underground caverns and reduc-
tion in number of power conduits for the generating
units.
" Modification of main spillway to discharge Probable
Maximum Flood, thus eliminating the fuse plug emergency
spillway.
0 Reduced transmission voltage from Gold Creek to Ester
substation to meet Fat rbanks ' load requirements.
These changes, if adopted, would have these effects:
" Met savings by reducing the construction cost for Watana
by aboi:t $421 million about 10 percent
' A potential reduction in construction time for Watana.
" Some reduction in adverse envi ronmental impacts.
Several additional design modifications are also being evalu-
ated. A specific recommendation on these modifications will be
j made in the future. These changes could result in additional cost
d-~ F\ ,tc savings of up to $250 mil lion. Modifications to the Watana project
( o,,&- could include constructing the powerhouse above ground rather than
underground and modifying the power intake structures and conduits;
potential savings in the Devil Canyon structure might include
modifications to the tunnel downstream from the dam,
In addition to these design refinements, reduced economic
projections have resulted in other potential modifications that are
now being studied. The primary one would be downsizing the Elatana
project to a lower dam height, with accompanying reductions in
generation and transmission system requirements. This would bring
project energy production more closely in 1 ine with cuirrent esti-
mates of need for power. These refinements could reduce the
capital cost of the project by an estimated $700 million and could
further reduce env i ronmenta 1 impiicts because of reduced reservoi r
size.
BOARD ACTIONS
The actions before the Power Authority Board of Directors are
to :
0 Consider and accept results of the economic and financial
update.
" Approve recommended design refinements and r*el ated cost
savings.
' Consider potential design refinements for future action.
0 Consider Watana a1 ternatives to better match revised
energy demand forecasts.
BOARD PEET 11%
8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Legislative Information Office
Tel econference Center 1024 W. 6th Ave.
10:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Anchorage Westward Hilton
Mena i -A% eu t i an ROOK
October 14, 1983
I. Opportunity for Pub1 ic Comment through teleconferencing
network from the Legislative Off ice Teleconference Center
( 1024 We 6th Fve. ') , t~ teleconference centers i n Juneau,
Fairbanks and Soidctna, 8:00 A.bi. - 10:00 A.M.
Meeting reconvenes at 10:30 A.M. at the Anchorage Westward
Hilton, Kenai-Rleutian Room.
,/
I
" II. Approval of the Minutes of the September 27, 1983, Board
Meeting in Anchorage.
111. Ccnsideration ef Actions with respect to the Susitna
Hydroelectric Project:
&"' A. Project Refinements .-- ,{L*t4:(cGt. r-2! ?~t,-t'~,*-,-d<' - P
Y B. Project Update i- L& , . 64 +*; .
C. FY 1984 Budget
D. FY 2985 Budget
E, Review of Susitna Access Road
IV. Consideraticn of Action with respect to the Balance of the
Alaska Power Authority Budget for FY 1985.
V. Any other Business or Action which might properly come before
the Board of Directors.
VI, Opportunity for Pub1 ic Comment.
PIIFIUPES OF THE !*IEEPSF"IG
of the Alaska Dower Authority
Board sf 3irectsrs
Anchorage, A! aska September 26, 1983
P
b @ Approval of Kinutes of the July 7, 1%3, Board !!eating in
Ketch-ii kan,
14E0 Consideration of adoptlon of criteria for project
economic and financial eval uatf an,
IIL Review of Bradley Lake Project and consideration of
developing a Federal Eneroy Re~ulatorv Commission (FERGj
License Appl icatioc.
IV, Review of the Susitna Hydropowe~. Project, consideration
of budget a1 1 ocations , and other actions as appropriate.
V, Gonsfderation Q$" Loan f~om the Rural Electrif fcatfsw
Revolving Loan Fund to Egegik Electric Cooperative.
I/ 1 , Considerat'on of actions for the Anchcraye/Fairbanks
lniertie Pr~ject.
\dII, @on%s'deration sf actl'esns related to Sslomcsn Gulch COP-
st~uction Claims,
VITI, CsnsideraLion of actions far the Delta tine extension,
IX. Consideration of aeticn with respect to the FY'85 budget.
X, Consddfration of funding reqcas ts f ram State agencies.
%I, C~nsideration of acticcs wi th respect to the assumption
of the Ahaska Po~er AcPministrati~n~
Xll, Consideration of action with respect to Swan Lake interim
financing.
XTII, Review of progress on power sales negotiations.
XIV* Selection of management consul tant for audit oq the
21 3545 ~~~,*!~~ A1-1:krjr;
PJ 1% , ;p:/ 3int3' ~US~~SS~ ~lr KC'CC .VR~C~ ~iqht 3r~~~~r'i ~3me
before the 3oard of Si rectors.
Mr. David Allison, Esq.
Mr. Robert Huiman, Vice Chaiman
Commissioner Dick iyon, Chai man
Department of Commerce & Economi c D2vel opmeni
Mr. Peter McOowel 1 , Di rector
Office of Management & Budget
Comi ssi sner Estke~ Wunnicke
Department of Natural Resources
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Comissioner Dan Casey
Department of Transportation h Public Facilities
Page 2
ITEF"! I[ sl Approval of the Pinutes of the July 7, 1985, Board
Meeting in Ketchi kan.
CHAIRMAN LYON called the meeting to order at !3:15 AM and
announced that there would be sope changes to the agenda due to the
need for Executive Sessfov on three natters. MR. ALLISIDFI moved and
COk!MISSIONER WUIqN ICKE seconded that the Board adopt the Minutes of
the July 7, 1983, meeting as presented. Hearing not objection,
COMKiSSIONER LYOW ordered the Minutes adcpted as presented.
ITEM I! Cansiderat-ion of adoption of criteria for project
economic and financial evaluation.
MR. ERIC P. YOULD, Executive Director, explainr?d that the
Alaska Power Authority is required by regulation to annually
develop new criterf;! by which projects are evaluated for economic
feasibility. The method of evaluation used by the Powllr Authority
is a net present worth life cycle analysis of various alternatives.
Critical criteria are; 1) inflation rate; discount rate; 3) fue
escalation rate; 4) debt/equity ratio; cost of diebt; and 6
economic life of a project. MR. YOULD suggested that the Board
consider eliminatincl the debtjeauity ratio because it is not
relevant to the anaiysis being used. MR. YOULD reconmended that
the Board adopt the same criteria used last year, except that the
inf:ation rate be changed to 5.5 percent and cost of debt be
reduced to 10 percent.
MR. HUFMloN, Chai rman of the Fi nance Subcornmi ttee, reported
that the Subcornmi ttee recommended acceptance of infl ation rate,
discount rate, cost of debt, and economic 1 ife and term of loan,
and deletion of the debt to equity ratia. He stated that the issue
of "fel escalat?o~t rate was not resolved, KR, HUFMAN stated the
Finance 5ubtommi ttee agreed to formal ize procedures by picking six
nationally recognized experts and use the median fuel escalation
Pate of the six, MR. ALLISON move6 and M2, PtDOWEHL sreesnded that
the Finance Subcommittee make a ~ecsmendatisn to the Board an the
sir experts and the question of 1 ong-term versus short-tern escala-
tion rate. The motion was passed by a unanimous voice vote af 211
six voting members present.
COKFIISSIONER WUNNICKE then moved that the Board approve the
economic parameters as presented by staff, with the exception of a
future report from the Finance Subct2Tmfttee on the fuel escalation
rate, and that the debt ta equity ratio be deleted rrom future
eanside~ation. blR. HUFMAN seconded the mot""in, The metlsn was
?z:;eri iinani.cl;rl:/ hy 311 ~i x ~IC:~FF ~erber~ grezan:*
371/057 Page 3
r" MR. VCLLC preser.:eo back~round on tne Sr.cl~y Lake dFe~--l'-b c,bj
the COTE: pC Engineers irvol vemect, and the Pov~er Authorf::jf s
assumpxion ~f the project. MR. JOE PERK-INS, Director of Cbn-
struction, then reviewed the design and engineering aspects of the
bradley Lake Project and charoes in the project from the Corps
project concept. MR. YOULD then reviewed the project's economics.
MR. YOULD stated that the local utilities have indicated that
they are interes"Ld din the project and are willing to enter into
agreements of intent to purchase power prior to the Po\der Authority
beginning design. We indfcated that the staff's recommnendation was
to authorize Stone and Webster to prepare a FERC Lict!nse Applica-
tion by February 1984, at which time the Board could decide whether
or not to submit the applicatio~ and proceed with design. In
zddition, he also recomnended that the Board retain an engineer of
record to review Stone and Webste~k swork, MR. WUFMAN moved that
the Board adopt the staff recommendation. MR. ,4LLISON seconded the
mot-ion, MR, NUNN sta"$gQ that the Board shou%d not lianit itself 4x1
one option. MR. ALLISON suggested that the Board dirbett staff to
consider both the 90 and 135 megawatt projects. MR. HUFMAN agreed
to incorporate MR. ALLISON'S suggestion into his motion and that
staff make a firm recommenda"cion on the project capacity in
December. The motion was passed unanimously by al'l six voting
members present.
CHAIRMAN LYON asked the Board to consider !TEM V, Considera-
tion of a loan to Egegik Light & Power Company EL&PC) ahead of
ITEM %V,
Considera"%ion of ban from the Rural Efectr-idiicatioln
Rtvolving Loan fund to Egegik Light & Power Company
MR. BENISH briefed the Board on a loan application from EL&PC
for the construction of a line extension to serve new HUD housing,
13 comercia1 enterprises, a health clinic, and two community
facilities in the amount of $130,000.00. MR. BENlSW discussed the
issuer; involved in the Board's approval of this loan. Thzy were;
because HUD housing was not planned to hook-up to the utility,
emergency situation has developed in which the line extens
necessapy for these houses to obtain power for the winter; 2
is n;f simply a line extension because it invslves rebuildi
relocation of existing line; 3) depr ciatian of existing plant was
not taker, into consideration; and 4 updated net worth statement
was presented in lieu of a financial statement. The staff's
recornendation was epproval OF the loan despite deficfencies in
documentation, because af the apparcnt financial abil i ty to .r-EDay
the loan and 1 ikel ihood :f growth.
REPRESENTATIVE ADELHEID WERRMANN stated her support for this
project which is ;n her district. MR, HOMER LEONARD, OwnerfManager
311/Q5i Page 4
of EL&PC, commented on the purchase of the system from Naknek
Electric and the need for the loan to meet the needs of the corn-
munity.
rsfR. ILL ISOFI moved that the Board approve Resol ut ?on
o 1<;83-9? a lsan in the a~clunt of Si3C,000.00 tc EL&PC at
two percent interaest for twenty years. COMMISSIONER IfIUFll4ICKE
seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by all six
voti ng members present.
CHAIRI4AN LYON suggested the Board go into Executive Session.
MR. WUFMAN moved that the Board go into Executive Session for two
reasons: I? to discuss issues related to Swan take financing and
the current status of power sales agreements; and 2 claim settle-
ment related to the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Projecl:. MR. NUMN
seconded the vction. MR. ALLISCPI stated that he was opposed to an
Executive Sessicn for discussing fina~rial matters. NS. LAI!RA
DAVIS said that the motion should be specific that the E~xecutive
Session was necessary to discuss matters that could have a clear
adverse fi~ancial effect on the Power Authority or the State.
MR. BENISH offe~ed a motion that the Power Authorit:y Board of
Directors hold an Executive Session far discussion of the Swan Lake
financing and the possibility for litigation and other matters
related to litigation on the Solomon Gulch claims settlement.
MR. FUFMAP and PR. F:U?IN agreed to adoot thic as their motion.
VR. ALLISOP! said he would go into Executive Session and, if he felt
the subject mstter inappropriate, request the meeting he made
public. The motion was passed unanimously by all six voting
members present. The Board went into Executive Session st !0:55
AM,
The Board reconvened at %:SO PM, CHAIRVAN LYON discussed the
Execuuti~~e Sessicr: and the rules for such sessions adopted by the
Board. ht. explained that the Eoard discussed the Solomon Gulch
claims settl enle~t, but chose not to discuss the f1nant:ing package
for the Energy Program for Alaska and the status of power sales
agreements.
MR. ALLISON moved that the Board approve the settlement
authority for claims arising f~om Solomon Gulch as was reauested in
the Executive Session and was more speeifical ly stateti in Exhibit
F, which is part of the confidential record of the Executive
Session, all of which will be entered as a matter of public record
upon resolution and completion 3f the setti ement negot'iation. MR.
MUNN seconded the motion. The aotion was passed unanimous1;i by all
: 5, ~0: " pa ~e~"f7be"xvesent e $;" 1 ;:!A3pf ' re~uestee $ha:
371./057 Page 5
FOR. YGrlllD iwferaed the Board that there were .two actions
involved with this item: 1) the allocation of the FYI84 budget and
consideration of the FY'85 budget and 2) the review of project
ecenomics due to changed economic conditions and a review of the
scope of the project. MR. McDOWELL suggested that the Board defer
action on the S~lsitna economic issues for a s~eciai meeting thpt
would consider only Susitna.
MR. YOULD presented background on the Susitna project and the
current project update. A review of the project has resulted in
the recommendation of design modifications that wi 11 reduce the
project cost upon which the Board could act and the consideration
of other scope changes that will not require Board action until
later in the project.
MR. ALLISON asked if the project kipdate would include a
reccfisideration of the access route. MR. YOULD stated that access
would be considered in the future. COMMISSIONER GIUKNYCKE asked
that the access question be included on the next meeting agenda and
reports on access made available to the Board. MR. NUNN suggested
that Harza-Ebasco provide information on access for Board
cons ideralion. COMMISSIONER WUNNICKE suggested that the staff
present information on the access selection to the Project
Management Subcornmi ttee rather than the full Board.
MR. ALL ISON recuested that the staff co~sider real locating the
FYI84 budget to incorporate more socioeconomic and environmental
tasks ard reduce mansgement and engineering tasks. CHAIRMAN LYON
askea that budget considerations for the Suritna FY '85 budget. be
deferred to the next meeting. MR. HUFMAN stated that he would like
to hcld a Finance Subcommittee meeting before the next Board
meeting.
COfdlMTSS IOMER NUNN ICKE suggested that the Board consider
Susitna and the full Power Authority budget at the ne.xt meeting.
CHhIRMAN LYON sugges"ced that the Finance Subcommittee meet on
October 13, 1983, and the Board meet on October 14, 1983.
MR. ALLISON requested that a portion of the meeting be tele-
conqerenced: CHAIRMAN LYON suggested that the meeting begin with
t@leconferencing from 8 - 10 AM on October 14, to a1 law people to
voice their cpinians on the Susitna project, and that the Bozrd
meeting becjin at 10:30 AM. COMMISSIONER WUNNICKE asked that the
project Management Subcommittee also meet before the next Board
meeting to discuss access.
."Te (l"jLL3 br-;e"ec :ne 3p~i-Q cn "",~e tr2r~r75~;~r ''r~ ext~qsj~r
7" +o !he :anara Loop agr!cl:lturaq area thax Idas tPe result of a
'~a;si 3tiye i~~~~c~j i-jcn, chapter 106, 5!;1 1Gg: '"~~~~~~), Cacfior
,-- ""np f'ya T ' 232 "521- ;,--. ui3d.4. re 3~7jni: ++dp~ld jrqj~~ve c2ns:rgct2pr gi d.5
,:: if2
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3711057 Page 7
of sinple pnsse services h: ~~ouid be ccrx-aczec cc flb'EA.
KR. HU-YAeP1 moved that the 3oard aforove the cosign and cc~structicn
of the Tanana Loop line extension, thar the staff enzer ineo an
operations and mainte- 3nce agreement with GVEA, and suggested the
operation and maintenance cost would be born by GVEA. F'IR. McDDWELL
seconded the motion. The motior: passed with HUFMAI4, bIUNNICKE,
McDOWELL, NUNN, and LYON voting yes, ALLISON voting no.
ITEFi XVII Any other business or action which right properly come
before the Board of Directo~s,
MR. YOULD asked for the Board's guidance on three other
appropriations: Fa1 se Pass $600 ,OPR, 00 ) ; Pedro Bay 5500,000.00
and Nikslski S200,000.00). MR. McOOWELL stated that each of these
appropriations was careful ly )!considered by the Administration a~d
was intended to be implemented this fiscal year. MS. PATRICIA
DEJONG, Director of Project Evaluation, discussed these three
projects, the appropriations made for each, and the needs of each
community. CHAIRMAN LYON recommended that this ;tern be deferred
until a future Board meeting.
[CHAIRMAN LWN asked that Items XI% and XITI be esnsa'dered
together.
ITEM XI1 Consideration of action with respect to Swan Lake
interim financing.
YTEF XIII Review of progress on Power Sales Negotiations.
MR. BENISH reviewed the negotiations that have been held with
the City of Ketchikatl on arranging refinancing of the 835 million
Swan Lake Note and the status of the refinancing. MR. YOULP
indicated that the City of Ketchikan was willing to adopt a resolu-
tion seperate from the acquisition agreement with the intent
language required by the Power Authority. MR, HANK PRENTISS of
Ketchikan spoke on behalf of the City about the refinancing of the
$35 million Note. h discussion of the Sv~an Lake refinancing and
the ststus of negotiation for Power Sales Agreements un the four
project pool ensued.
COMMISSIONER WUNNICKE left the meeting at 4:30 PM.
ITEV XV Consideration of act4 on wi th respect to Bond Counsel .
Pi
MR. HUFKAR presentea backgrou~d on the selection of %ord
Counsel fo~ %he nowe\- Authority. !-!Pa FIIINF! ~+.zi,ed that the Firiance
Subco~vri +tee + s recamme~<;?tion wss th5t the Scrarc! erter intc a
contract with Wohlforth and Flint through calendar year 1984 with a
Re~best "iol* Proposal For ~i-983-service prepared as soon as the staff
can reasor;c?bly do so. FIR, A\-LISOIU rr;oved that tke Eoard approve the
Page 8
Suhcorvmi ttee ' s recornrendation. MR. McDGWELi seconded the motion.
The motion was passed by a1 1 five voting members present.
ITEM XIV Selection of management consultant for audit of the
Alaska Power Authority.
MR. McDOWEll briefed the Board on "che evaluation prccess for
selecting a management eonsu l tant. The Evaluation Committee, with
concurrence of P1R. McDOWELL, Chai rman of the Audit Subcomi ttee,
selected the Joint Venture of C.T. Main Inc., and Arthur Young and
Company. MR. McDCWELL moved that the Board instruct the staff to
enter into negotiations with the Main/Ycung team and if negotia-
tions are not successful , that negotiations begin with the second
place fim, Touche Ross and Company. KR. WUFMAN seconded the
motion. The motion was passed lrnanimously by all five voting
members present.
CHAIRMAN LYON adjourned the meeting at 5:b5 PM,
Comissioner Dick Lyon
ATTEST
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11%. CONSIDERATIPN OF AGTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE SUSITNA HYDRO-
ELlLCTRIC PRQJECT,
A, Action Item A
Consideration of incorporation of certaain design
refinements into the Susi tna Hydroelectric Project.
The existing configuration of the Susitna Project
was adopted in early 1982 thrcugh the Board's acceptance ,
sf the Acres American Feasibility Report. In keeping
with the then existing level of site informa.tion, the
project layout, design assumptions, and cost estim~te
lvere developed based on worst case scenarios. Addition-
al site explorations have be.en conducted since the
completion of the feasibil ity study. Also, Harza-
Ebasco, our design firm, has brought fresh insight to
the development of the project.
Harza-Ebasco has come forward with twc groups of
refinements to the project configuration. The first
group, recommended for immediate incorporation, has been
scrutinized and favorably endorsed by the Power Author1 -
ty's External Review Panel and by the Power Authority's
cost estimator (augmented by independent cost estimating
experti se) , The second group consists of several
signif icani refinem~~ts that require additional eval-
uation befcl-e adoption by the Board. The consultant
recommends thei r incorporation i nto the prozect subject
tc the outcome of addi$ional evduation. -
C, Issues
The Board has the opportunity to approve the
engineer's recommendaticns in whole or in part, and
thereby reduce the estimated project cost. If approved
by the Board, the second group of refinements will have
to pass the same evaluation process that the first group
passed. The refinements are either neutral or henefi-
cia1 with regard to environmental impact. An expanded
discussion can be found in the appended infomatio -,
* costs
Cost i~pl jcztions are addressed in the Appendjces.
1. Delegate the decision to the Executive Director.
2. Adopt the engineer's recommendation
3 Disapprcve the propcsed refii~eme~ts in part cr in
total ,
F. Recornended Acti on
Proceed with option No. 2; adclpt the engineer's
recommendation
1. Please refer to the sep~rate binder provided with
the September 27, 1983, Bcard Packet, wihich pro-
vides the followi~g information:
a. Report on Recommended Project Ref i nements .
Previously provided.
b. Report or! Potential Project Refi~ements.
(Previously provided. j
c. Report of the External Review Panel.
ously provided. )
d. Memorandum on the Project Cost Estin2te.
[Previously provided.)
2. Su~mary of Eeccrrrended Project Ref i ne~erts.
3. Sumary cf Potential Project Refinem~nts.
111. CONSIDERATION OF ACTIORS WISH RESPECT TO THE SUSITMA FIYDRO-
ELECTRIC PROJECT.
The Board has requested an update on the proje!ct,, to
include information on the present outlook for the project's
economic and financial viability.
This item presents the economic assessment and cost of
power approximations. A subsequent presentation wi 1 I address
the financial aspects.
Executive Su~rnary of Economic am3 Financial Update,
provided as a sepzrate attachrent.
111, CONSIDERATION OF ACTIONS WITH RESPECP "$ THE S;USIFNA
HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT,
A, Action Item C
To allocate the FY 1984 Budget appropriation.
The FY 1984 Budget a1 location to the Power Authority
was presented as two elements,
*
$22 million to be used to pursue n Federal
Energy Regulatory Comi ssion FERC) License
Application.
*
An Additional $6 mil 1 ion for the same purpose,
but with the requirement that the Board of
Directors affinatively act on its full or
~artiai use if needed (See Appendix).
Due to the unforeseen requests for information by
the Federal Energy Regu'i atory Conmi ssion during FY
1983 and administrative constraints sn biiity of
Funds, a significant disruption to the FY 1983 work plan
occu~red, Tka t i sruptian had domino effect on the FY
1984 work plan ee Appendix 2 Presently, the FY 84
$22 million allocation will not Fdnd all program objec-
tives. Application of a portion of the $6 million
element is appropriate if all objectives are to be
preserved,
C, Issues
Shoilld the project be rsconfigured; and, if so,
should it be funded Prsm the uwwstricted accouct sr the
restricted accsunt,
D Costs
If FY 84 Project objectives and Project reconfig-
urations are to be Funded From the unrestricted account,
$3,334,000 would be moved From the restricteld to the
unrestricted account, leaving 2,665,000 for future
unforeseen requi regents see Appendix 3
if the Project reconiigur3tion is to be funded from
the restricted account, funds would be released in the
unrestricted account for appl icaeion against the project
cbjectives. However, this would commit the restricted
accaufit by 53,245,000. Under thais scennrio, an
additional $89,000 would be moved fro^ the restricted
account to the unrestricted account to restore the Power
Authority contingencies. This would leave a balance of
$2,666,CC0 in the restricted account (see Al~pendix 4,
Tables 1 and 21.
If reconfiguration is not pursued, no reallocations
between accounts would be necessary.
1. Approve reailocaticn of 83.334million from the
restricted to the urrestricted budget..
2. Ppprove re?iiocation of QPSl,000 frcm the
i-est~7~"rei to ~iw unr~stric?ld SLC!~! 31:d
commit the restricted budget by $3,245,000 for
project reconfiguration.
3. Withhold approval of reallocations.
F, Recommended Action
Approve option No. 1 or option Ro. 2.
1. Letter from Governor Shefqieid to Chairman iyon
of duly 28, 1983.
-2 Cur~.enr and ~rcpcsed F'i 84 L~cget aiiocctions,
reconf igurat~on fro^ unrestricted budget.
4. Curre~t and ?ropcsed FY 8t bucget a1 loi~tions,
reconf igurati cn "rom restr*i cted acco~ict.
I 11. CONSIDERATIOri OF ACTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE SUSITFIA HYDRO-
ELECTRIC PROJECT.
Consideration of the FY 1985 budgzt to be endorsed by the
Boar+ for the Susi tna H~droelectric Project.
Three budget levels are advanced. They are: $75M, which
advances the project at a rate consistent with an earliest
possible construction start of 1986; 558.4M, which accommo-
dates a probab;e 1987 constrcction star:; and 543M, w!~ich
supports the Federzl Energy Regulatory Com~i ssion process and
environmental programs, but does not fund project desian or
significant geetechnical investigations.
Issues
Implicit in the ~oard; approval of one of these three
budget levels is the ass~mption that the project will proceed
as previously endorsed. Explicit is the rate at which it will
proceed.
Approval of some ~tiier budget level, which could ranse
fro^ nothing to something less than $43M, would bring under
examination the assumption that the project would proceed as
preidiousl;~ endorsed. The family of aotions this act would
call intc play habe not been assessed.
A breakdown of the budget is shown in the Appendix.
1. Approve the 975M budget level
2. Approve the S58.4M budget level
3. Approve the 943.0bI budget level
September 23, 1983, letter from Eric Yould to
Robert Hufman with attachments.
111. COMSfOERATION OF ACTIONS WITH RESPECT 10 THE SUSITNA HYDRO-
ELECTRIC PROJECT.
The Board had previously asked that the Susitna access
route be reassessed. The Power Authority initi3ted that
reassessment, but suspended it when it beczme evident that a
construction management consul tant would not be engaged in FY
84.This input was considered essential to the conclusians of
the update.
At its meeting of September 27, 1983, the eoard requested that
a review of the original selection be made, and a scatus
report of the update be prorfded,
PI ease refer to Appendix for addi tionai information.
iV. COElSIDERATIOFI OF ACTION MITH RESPECT TO THE BALAlNCE OF THE
ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY BUDGET FOR FY 85 BUDGET.
A. -4ma Action Item
Adoption of Alasks Power Authority FY 85 budget
request for submittal to Office ci Management & Budaet
The FY 8% budget request is due to OMB on
Ocbober 17, 8983, Power Authoriey staff has
traditionally prepared the budget request far Board
review, modification, and adoption. Thle Project
Management Subcommittee is cansidering a1 ternati ve
schemes for. project approval which caul ci possibly
eliminate the need for a sepsrate budget approval in
fr' ire budget cycles. Power Author4 ty staff is presently
preparing a Power Project Development Plan that wil I 52
ready in December, 1983. This budget rheqtlest is
consistent with bas'c concepts which will be presented in
thzt plar,.
Since the Power Authorit] is not yet operating under
an approved Pawer Project Development Plan, 1". .is neces-
sary to bring this requer"tts the Boar-d for direction and
approval .
"l"he Finance Subcomm-i'ttee has revje~ed the FV 1985
budget request and has made r~cammendations for consid-
eration tiy the full Board. Three different levels of
pfi3r.t and funding presented for each project request and
the f-i nance Subronm~ ttee' s recein~endzticm are suma~ized
in the Appendix.
e, Issues
1) The Boapd may wish to speed up or slow down the
project dei~elopalent process fur any of the
individual projects in the capital budget request.
7) The draaFi- Pudir. Subcarrapnittee Report recornended an
increase in staff to better meet the Power Authority
mandate. Pi; I s biidgetl request , therefore, req;: ects
necessary jnrreases in operating biidqet ar a tine
~h~fi ECY~T~OT ? s reque~ei ng ~c~-oss- ihe-bo;,i*d
decreases in agency operating budgets.
Costs are as indicated in the FY 55 rzquiest arrd as
estimated in the cash flow For future yearc.
1. Approve budget as submitted by staff,
2. Approve budget as modiff ed by Finan,ce Sbbccm-
miltee.
3, Approve hvdt,:et as modified by Finance Silbcont-
mittee w. :h additional modificathons,
4. Dir~ct staff ic mske mzjor moclific8ti.ins
subject ta review at another Board neetifig and
submit bu dget then.
F. Recommended Action
As appropriate.
I. Stamnary of funding for. 'levels of sffort*
2 L4-2 Finance Subconmittee's recomenao~~ons to be
provided at October 14, 1983, Board Iqeeting).
Draft FY 35 budget request has previausiy been
provided in a separate bincer to the Peard.