The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is in the preliminary stages of a multi-year licensing process. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the lead federal agency for licensing of Susitna-Watana Hydro. AEA will also seek a Clean Water Act permit from the U.S. Corps of Engineers for project construction.

Beginning in 2013 more than 58 individual environmental studies will be conducted, in addition to nearly twenty studies in 2012. The goal is to obtain a FERC license and Corps permit, at which time construction could begin. Under this schedule, Susitna-Watana Hydro is expected to begin full energy production in 2028.