24.6.2.010 Findings

(a) Verde Transmission, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, ("Verde") proposes to construct a new 345 kV electric power transmission line between the Ojo Substation, near Hernandez, NM and the Norton Substation, near Santa Fe, NM, together with various ancillary facilities, to be called the "Verde Project," which project would greatly increase the robustness and reliability of the electric transmission grid in northern New Mexico and facilitate the delivery or renewable energy to customers through the Southwest.

(b) The proposed line would generally follow the route of the existing 115 kV power lines located in the area but may be altered based on negotiations with the Pueblo for a route that is acceptable to the Pueblo.

(c) Verde approached the Pueblo for the purpose of entering into negotiations for a right-of-way and permission to construct the new line.

(d) Many details of the purposed project, including the specific alignment to be followed by the line over tribal lands, must be negotiated by the Pueblo's representatives and considered by the Council.

(e) The Governor will establish a Pueblo negotiating team to work with Verde to review, evaluate and analyze the project.

(f) A presentation was made to the Council by Verde Transmission and the Council is willing to consider the project.

(g) In order for the parties to move forward in evaluating the project, Verde must undertake land survey for the proposed transmission corridor within the Pueblo's lands, and Council is willing to permit Verde to proceed with such survey.

(h) The Pueblo will require Verde to pay the Pueblo's Land Use Application Fee for the first phase of activity in accordance with Tribal Council Resolution SI-R11-032 (October 20, 2011) to cover the costs incurred by the Pueblo in evaluating the project.