Hydro Developer Begins Mississippi River Licensing Marathon
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Notice
Summary
Lock+TM Hydro Friends Fund X, LLC is starting the process to get a license for a new hydroelectric project at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam on the Mississippi River. This means local communities, environmental groups, and agencies will get a chance to share their thoughts and help shape the project before any final decisions. The process kicks off now, so expect studies, comments, and teamwork over the coming months.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Public comment window and meetings
You (local residents, agencies, Indian tribes, NGOs, and other members of the public) can submit comments on the project's Pre-Application Document (PAD) and Scoping Document 1 (SD1) and request studies. All comments, study requests, and requests for cooperating agency status must be filed with FERC by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 27, 2026. Two scoping meetings are scheduled for June 23, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CDT for agencies/tribes/NGOs and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT for the public) at the National Great Rivers Museum, 1 Locks and Dam Way, Alton, IL 62002.
On-site environmental review rules
An environmental site review will be held on June 23, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Participants must meet at the Mississippi River shoreline boat launch parking lot on the Missouri side (Riverlands Drive, West Alton, MO 63386), are responsible for their own transportation, must remain in publicly accessible spaces, must wear closed-toe shoes/boots, and should not bring children or pets; anyone with questions should contact Lock Hydro by June 16, 2026.
NEPA review (EA or EIS) will be prepared
FERC staff will prepare either an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will analyze site-specific and cumulative environmental effects and reasonable alternatives. The scoping process (including oral and written comments received) will determine the level of analysis and may lead to a Scoping Document 2 (SD2) with a revised process plan, schedule, and list of issues.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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