Common use of Lead Agency Responsibilities Clause in Contracts

Lead Agency Responsibilities. A. Pre-Application Coordination: The Lead Agency will notify Participating Agencies of proposed Qualifying Projects in a timely manner and facilitate a pre- application meeting for prospective applicants and relevant federal and state agencies and Tribes to communicate key issues of concern; explain applicable processes; outline the data requirements and applicant submissions necessary to complete the required Federal Agency Reviews in a timely manner; and establish schedules. Upon the request of the applicant, the Lead Agency will coordinate with Participating Agencies and will provide appropriate follow-up information to the applicant within 60 days of the meeting. B. Consultation with Cooperating Agencies: The Lead Agency will consult fully with the Cooperating Agencies throughout the Federal Agency Review Process to improve coordination, identify and obtain relevant data in a timely manner, set schedules, and identify and expeditiously resolve issues or concerns. If disputes remain unresolved, the dispute resolution process described in section IX.J may be used. C. Schedule: The Lead Agency will consult with DOE, the Qualifying Project applicant, other affected parties, and Cooperating Agencies to establish an efficient project schedule. The Cooperating Agencies will work diligently to comply with the agreed-upon timeline, to the extent consistent with applicable law. Cooperating Agencies will make necessary decisions, within their respective authorities, regarding federal approvals in accordance with the following time- lines: 1) when an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact is determined to be the appropriate level of review under NEPA, within one year of acceptance of a completed application, or 2) when an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required pursuant to NEPA, within 1 year and 30 days after the close of the public comment period for a draft EIS. If a Participating Agency is unable to meet an applicable deadline, it will promptly notify the Lead Agency, Cooperating Agencies, the applicant and other relevant parties, explain the reason for delay, and propose a new projected completion date. If the Lead Agency determines that such delay will result in a substantive change to the project schedule, the Lead Agency will justify such change in writing to DOE.