60 



authorities. We should not lose sight of where our energies should be focused - 

 returning salmon to the Columbia River and its tributaries — and not centered solely 

 on developing new arrangements or replacing existing ones for the purpose of 

 determining and overseeing the restoration process. 



As part of the Columbia River System Operation Review (System Operation 

 Review), jointly being conducted with the Corps and Reclamation, a long-term 

 system operating strategy for the Columbia River Basin is being developed The 

 objective of the strategy is to identify operating requirements that balance the 

 competing demands imposed by all of the users of the river. In light of this 

 objective, the System Operation Review agencies also recognized that any long-term 

 strategy needed to be dynamic and to able to respond to new information and new 

 conditions as they arise. Consequently, the System Operation Review is examining 

 institutional arrangements~we have named this effort "The Forum"~that could 

 provide eflFective review, updating and implementation of the operating strategy 

 The System Operation Review is presently assessing options similar to those 

 identified in your list as well as several others. Specifically, we are reviewing 

 decision-making processes and opportunities for involvement of others in the 

 operation of the river. We are addressing these interrelationships now to ensure that 

 in the future, there is sufficient flexibility to accommodate changing conditions and 

 technology. The results of these efiForts will help to improve coordination among 

 regional decision-makers. Further information on the Forum alternatives is available 

 along with an initial assessment of the costs and benefits. 



19 



