Y -- Upper Newsome Riparian Restoration Project

The Nez Perce National Forest, in collaboration with the Nez Perce Tribe and Bonneville Power Administration, intends to issue a solicitation in early 2006 for the Upper Newsome Riparian Restoration Project. The primary focus of the solicitation is to develop final designs for instream and riparian habitat improvements along approximately four miles of Newsome Creek, located upstream of the Newsome Townsite. The project may also encompass the construction phase of these improvements, potentially under a design-build contract where the contractor would be responsible for obtaining necessary permits. Additionally, the solicitation might include the assessment and reconstruction of the Haysfork Placer Mine sediment trap within the project area. Environmental analysis is underway, with a draft Environmental Impact Statement expected by September 2005 and final approvals anticipated in early 2006. Field work for design is planned for 2006, with designs completed by early 2007, and construction could commence by July 2007, continuing over several years. A pre-solicitation field tour is scheduled for October 4, 2005, starting at 9:00 AM PDT near the junction of State Highway 14 and Newsome Creek Road #1858 in Idaho, aimed at providing prospective bidders with a site overview. The tour involves hiking and creek fording, requiring participants to be prepared for moderate physical activity. The solicitation carries a HUBZone set-aside status, reflecting its intent to encourage participation from businesses in historically underutilized zones. Interested parties can contact designated Forest Service representatives for more information, and the project is listed as both a design-only and a design-build opportunity, pending final decision by the Forest Service.