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5.2.7 Criterion: Cost To Implement - Annual Operation 



A genuine consolidation of decisionmaking under FORUMS 5, 6, and 7 could result in a 

 reduction in annual operating costs. However, if a new entity is created (FORUM 6) or 

 a transfer of decisionmaking authority (FORUMS 6 and 7) is made without a dear 

 reduction in the authority of the other federal agencies, aiuxual implementation costs 

 could be increased, as an additional layer of decisionmaking would be added. There 

 would also be added costs for any new entity to develop the staff capability that 

 currently resides in the SOR agencies. By consolidating the SOR and ESA 

 decisionmaking processes, and utilizing the same data gathering process, FORUM 4 

 should result in reduced costs compared to the existing situation, although possibly less 

 of a reduction than under FORUMS 5, 6, and 7. 



FORUM 1 would result in somewhat increased costs to conduct a public involvement 

 program. Presumably, under FORUMS 2 and 3, the SOR lead agencies would 

 reimburse either the existing agency or the new entity for its work in developing a 

 recommendation. This would mean some additional cost. 



5.2.8 Criterion: Cost To Participate 



Costs to participate (for non-SOR agencies or the public) could be reduced if FORUMS 6 

 and 7 result in a consolidation of the decisionmaking process. FORUM 4 might result in 

 reduced costs to participate if groups are currently participating in two separate 

 processes, one for SOR and one for ESA decisionmaking. FORUM 5 might result in 

 higher costs to participate if parties are expected to provide representation or staffing 

 for the new entity. FORUM 1 probably does not result in a significant difference in cost 

 to participate, although a highly visible public involvement program might reduce 



Final Draft - September 15, 1993 81 



