88 



In response to Question 2, 1 discussed our concerns about the adequacy of 

 Bonneville's funding to implement the fish and wildlife program. I also discussed our 

 concerns about coordination among federal agencies that implement the salmon strategy. 



In response to the current question, it is important to note that while the various 

 federal agencies have committed to implement the strategy, these same agencies also say 

 they are having difficulty living up to their commitments because of inadequate staffing or 

 budgets or both. For example, the Forest Service is behind schedule in its review and 

 modification of land management practices, the Corps of Engineers has slipped by six 

 months its evaluation of Snake and Columbia river drawdown alternatives, and the states are 

 slow to explore harvest alternatives. In each instance, budget and staffing levels were cited 

 as the major reasons for delay. 



We believe the federal agencies have the resources and staff to move more quickly on 

 salmon rebuilding efforts, but we also understand that some of the implementation woik, 

 such as the Corps' analysis of drawdown alternatives, relies on information being developed 

 in other woric in progress. We understand that conflicts like this probably are inevitable, and 

 tliat we set an ambitious time schedule for implementing the salmon strategy. But we also 

 believe that this work must get the highest priority, and that it must proceed as expeditiously 

 as possible. These are important actions that we believe are necessary to implement the 

 salmon strategy. In short, the fish cannot wait for the laborious, slow progress of 

 government as usual. 



At the same time, however, I do not want to leave the impression that there has been 

 no progress. As I mentioned earlier, we estimated last April that most of the Strategy for 

 Sainton is being implemented. The most costly measures, which are the additional flow 

 improvements and modifications at mainstem dams, began last year. The states successfully 

 reduced sahnon harvest levels this year, in accordance with the salmon strategy. Work began 

 on improving hatchery practices and on improving land management in prime areas of 

 salmon habitat. Model watersheds were designated in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and 

 work is under way to improve salmon habitat. 



All of this work is progressing. We will continue to call attention to the need to 

 complete these efforts quickly, and we appreciate the continued support of Congress in this 

 regard. 



Bonneville's fish and wUdlife funding appears to be the unfortunate victim of revenue 

 fluctuations. As revenue declines, so does program funding. The agency should 

 consider procedures to ensure financial stability for the program, such as creating a 

 reserve fund, rate a^ustmmt clauses and other forms of flexibility. 



