255 



5.3.2 FORUM 2: Dedsionmaking by the SOR lead agencies + reconunendation by an 

 existing regional entity. 



The primary strengths of this option are that in might result in somewhat increased 

 trust and perception of equitable treatment than FORUM 1; it might result in reduced 

 legal or political challenges; yet is still within the authority of the agencies to implement 

 without Congressional authorization. This alternative does not alter accountability 

 (although it increases visibility). Costs to participate might go up somewhat, since 

 interests may feel obliged to participate both v^th the recommending agency and with 

 the three operating agencies. Cost to operate would be somewhat greater than FORUM 

 1, somewhat less than FORUM 3 (because a new agency structure would not have to be 

 created). 



5.3.3 FORUM 3: Decisionmaking by the SOR lead agencies + recommendation by a 

 new entity. 



The analysis for this alternative is similar to that for FORUM 2 except that a 

 recommendation developed by a new entity created for this explicit purpose might 

 have greater credibility (trust, eqioitable treatment, reduction of legal/political 

 challenges). On the other hand, the costs both to create and operate a new entity would 

 be somewhat higher than in FORUM 2. 



Final Draft - September 15, 1993 86 



