13 



any of these three areas could require new federal legislation. Specifically, we will 

 comment on Bonneville's debt restructuring, the potential need for new borrowing 

 authority, and plans for changing from a government agency to a government 

 corporation. 



Through its Pish and WUdlife Committee, the Council is exploring aspects cf a 

 possible transfer of the inq)lementation of our fish and wildlife programs. 



All of the above ideas and plans are still in the conceptual stage. There are few 

 details, written plans or proposed legislation available for us to review. As a result, 

 our comments will of necessity be preliminary £md ^neral. We emphasize that we 

 would like more specific information about Bonneville's plans and eire eager for 

 more opportimities for consultations. 



DEBT RE8TRUCTURINQ 



Over the past 10 years, through three difierent administrations, executive 

 branch budget proposals have included provisions to alter Bonneville's approach 

 to repaying its debt for construction of otir region's hydropower and transmission 

 system. In these proposals. Bonneville's repayment would have been unilaterally 

 revised and accelerated, smd the terms of repayment would be changed. E^h year 

 the Congress provided leeidership to drop these shortsighted proposals in the 

 budget request. The Council and others in the region opposed dramatic changes 

 in Bonneville's repayment because of its potential damaging irapact on the 

 economy of the Northwest. We continue to oppose dramatic repayment changes 

 \duch would cause vmnecessaiy rate increases and jeopardize Bonneville's 

 competitiveness . 



