(2) The applicant is responsible for conducting the public scoping meeting and shall invite the team, federal agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and members of the public to participate. The purpose of the public scoping meeting is to allow an opportunity for the participants to review the information available and to:

(a) Discuss a proposed schedule for completion of the reauthorization process;

(b) Discuss studies and additional information that may be needed; and

(c) Identify other resources and other health and safety issues of the state that must be considered in the reauthorization process.

(3) At the public scoping meeting, the team shall:

(a) Explain to the public the process for reauthorizing the project; and

(b) Identify to the public the members of the team.

(4) Following the public scoping meeting, the team shall allow 60 days for public comment on the preliminary application information, the proposed schedule, proposed studies and other resources and other health and safety issues to be considered in the reauthorization process.

(5) Within 90 days after the public scoping meeting, the applicant shall develop and submit study proposals to the team. Upon receipt of the proposals, the team and the applicant shall publish notice of the availability of the proposals and allow 30 days for the public to provide comments on the proposals.

(6) Based on its review of the comments and recommendations on the study proposals from the Hydroelectric Application Review Team, other state agencies and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes and members of the public, the applicant shall prepare final study proposals and methodology and submit the final study proposals and methodology to the team. Upon receipt of the final study proposals and methodology, the team shall make the applicant’s study proposals and methodology available to the public.

(7) The study proposals shall allow at least two years for completing the studies. [1997 c.449 §17; 2001 c.369 §1]