24 



Statement of Randall W. Hardy, Administrator 



Bonneville Power Administration 



September 24, 1993 



Introduction 



Chairman DeFazio, it is again my pleasure to appear before the Bonneville Power 

 Administration Task Force. Today I come prepared to reaffirm Bonneville's commitment 

 to the Northwest's environment - particularly our commitment to protecting, mitigating 

 and enhancing the Columbia River Basin's fisheries resource. 



I first want to assure you and the other Task Force members that Bonneville is firmly 

 committed to aggressive support for rebuilding fish and wildlife affected by the Federal 

 hydroelectric power system. We are and will continue to work cooperatively with other 

 Federal and state natural resource agencies, the Northwest Power Planning Council, 

 Indian Tribes, our customers, and regional interest groups. 



Today we will discuss whether appropriate measures are being proposed and undertaken 

 to protect, mitigate and enhance salmon populations, and consider whether the existing 

 institutions and institutional arrangements implementing these measures are adequate. My 

 testimony focuses on Bonneville's critical role in the difficult task of restoring Columbia 

 River Basin native fish runs. I will review the significant actions we have taken, 

 investments we have made thus far, and more specifically, the financial limitations we are 

 up against. As requested in your invitation, I will also provide comments on the 

 Northwest Power Planning Council's Strategy for Salmon. In closing, I will offer our 

 views on the challenges ahead and potential improvements to ensure better regional 

 coordination. 



