BURNS, REHBERG, MARTZ AND FLATHEAD LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION PRAISE BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION, FLATHEAD ELECTRIC AND PLUM CREEK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2001
CONTACT: Shane M. Hedges
Governor’s Office
406-444-5522

HELENA and KALISPELL, MONTANA - Senator Conrad Burns, Representative Denny Rehberg, Governor Judy Martz and the Flathead legislative delegation today congratulated Bonneville Power Administration, Flathead Electric Cooperative and Plum Creek for their steadfast commitment to stabilize the FEC power contract and to protect electricity consumers of the Flathead Valley.

Last week the Flathead Electric Cooperative announced that agreements had been reached between BPA, FEC, and Pacificorp to avert the 60% to 100% retail rate increase expected on October 1, 2001. The deal will replace Flathead Electric's variable price contract with a fixed price contract and hold it's rate increase to 12-15 percent.

"The citizens of the Flathead Valley should know that without the steadfast commitment of these entities to remain at the table until a resolution could be achieved, it would not have been possible to return stability to the FEC contract," said Governor Judy Martz. "A host of people made this possible, but the tireless efforts of these entities is where our sole focus should be."

"Throughout the negotiations, these organizations put the people of the Flathead Valley first," said Congressman Denny Rehberg. "I can tell you plainly that our appreciation should be largely directed at these three parties.

"The dedication of BPA, FEC and Plum Creek to returning stability to the FEC contract deserves our recognition," said Senator Conrad Burns. "I thank them for their dedication and professionalism throughout this difficult process."

Paul Sliter, House Majority Leader and point man for the delegation said, "Having spent my entire life in the Flathead Valley, it is refreshing to know that in these changing times our dedication to community and to our neighbors in the Flathead has never wavered. Truly, I appreciate all that BPA, but particularly FEC and Plum Creek, did to protect the people of the Flathead Valley."

Added the other members of the delegation, "We, too, appreciate the hard work and united efforts that went into stabilizing the FEC contract. It goes to show you that when all levels of government and business work together in a cooperative manner, you can accomplish a great deal."

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