67 



process is working and with good results. 



After an additional 15 months operating under the new 

 regulations, we have no reason to change our assessment of the 

 project level appeals process. This does not mean that we are 

 not working to further improve the decision-making process. For 

 example, we are focusing our efforts on better public involvement 

 in the project formulation stage. Where the public is actively- 

 involved in project design, we find that the likelihood of 

 appeals is reduced and, where filed, the appeals are much more 

 focused which, in turn, facilitates timely disposition of the 

 appeal . 



This concludes my statement. I will be happy to respond to your 

 questions. 



