FLINT CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT.

SEC. 245. FLINT CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT. (a) Extension of Time.—Notwithstanding the time period specified in section 5 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 798) that would otherwise apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (referred to in this section as the “Commission”) project numbered 12107, the Commission shall— (1) if the preliminary permit is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, extend the preliminary permit for a period of 3 years beginning on the date on which the preliminary permit expires; or (2) if the preliminary permit expired before the date of enactment of this Act, on request of the permittee, reinstate the preliminary permit for an additional 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Limitation on Certain Fees.—Notwithstanding section 10(e)(1) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 803(e)(1)) or any other provision of Federal law providing for the payment to the United States of charges for the use of Federal land for the purposes of operating and maintaining a hydroelectric development licensed by the Commission, any political subdivision of the State of Montana that holds a Commission license for the Commission project numbered 12107 in Granite and Deer Lodge Counties, Montana, shall be required to pay to the United States for the use of that land for each year during which the political subdivision continues to hold the license for the project, the lesser of— (1) $25,000; or (2) such annual charge as the Commission or any other department or agency of the Federal Government may assess.