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We estimated thai the measures in the Strategy for Salmon likely translate 

 into about a 4-percent increase the Bonneville Power Administration's wholesale 

 rates. That amount could increase as additional capital obligations are incurred. 

 The impact of the Strategy on retail electricity rates likely was somewhat less them 

 4 percent, depending on how much utilities choose to pass on their customers. 



The Strategy is only part of the total regional cost of salmon recovery. We 

 estimate the total cost translates into about an 8- 1 1 percent impact on 

 Bonneville's wholesale power rates. 



No similar analysis of costs vs. rate impacts or an implementation schedule 

 has been prepared for the measures recommended by the Recovery Team. We are 

 ready to work with the Fisheries Service to ensure effective implementation of 

 salmon recovery measures in the Columbia River Beisin. 



The costs of salmon recovery efiforts are substantial, but the region also 

 should bear in mind the cost of inaction. Without effective restoration measures, 

 the region stands to lose wild and naturally spawning salmon stocks whose 

 genetic resources may be critical to the long-term sustalnability of all salmon 

 runs. 



We agree with the Recovery Team, whose final recommendations to the 

 Fisheries Service conclude: 



"Many of the impacts discussed above are negative in terms of social well- 

 being. But the long-run effect of recovery of the Snake River salmon stocks 

 to the level of delisting and beyond would be overwhelmingly positive. Jobs 

 would return; recreational and esthetic benefits would expemd; and, most 

 importantly, a priceless heritage of the Northwest would be restored and 

 preserved for future generations." 



Conclusion 



We remain convinced that the region must make an aggressive effort to 

 protect and restore salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin. A 

 coordmated, cooperative approach is required, or the region will be forced to react 



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