City OKs $1.18 million contract to continue relicensing work for Idaho Falls Power

The Idaho Falls City Council on Tuesday approved a $1,177,650 contract to continue consultant support for Idaho Falls Power's federal relicensing work.

Councilors authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute the contract with Klein Schmidt Associates after staff explained the work will include drafting next year's license application and supporting the multi-year Federal Energy Regulatory Commission review and stakeholder process.

Why it matters: The hydroelectric license process usually spans multiple years. Staff said the coming period will involve heavy work drafting the application and then two years of stakeholder engagement with FERC before stipulations and the final license are completed in 2029.

City staff and the consultant described the contract as a continuation of an existing relationship. "PlinchNet has been our licensing consultant for about the last 5 years," the project lead said during the meeting, adding that the upcoming work is the "heavy lift year" to draft the application. The consultant and staff also noted each budget line in the proposal includes a 15% contingency and that the contract sets a not-to-exceed amount.

Councilors asked procedural and scope questions; no council member opposed the measure and the motion carried.

The vote: The motion to approve the contract passed on a voice/roll-call vote with councilors present approving the agreement and the mayor authorized to sign the necessary documents.

What happens next: Staff said the application drafting will be completed next year and then stakeholders will engage with FERC over approximately two years, after which stipulations will be placed on the license prior to issuance in 2029.