19970617.docx

June 17, 1997
Greg Harwood
Davis, Wright, Tremaine
One Capitol Center, Suite 911
999 Main Street
Boise, ID 83702-9010
William Batt
Marshall, Batt, & Fisher
U S Bank Plaza, Suite 1701
101 S Capitol Blvd.
PO Box 1308
Boise, ID 83701
RE: Idaho AT&T/U S WEST Arbitration.  Case No. USW-T-96-15; ATT-T-96-2
Dear Greg and Bill:
This letter will clarify the schedule by which the Commission will complete the arbitration process in the AT&T/U S WEST Arbitration Case.  A recent letter from Mr. Harwood indicated the deadline for the Commission’s review of the arbitrator’s final decision is June 30, 1997.  However, the arbitrator did not file his decision with the Commission until June 9, 1997.  The Commission will require 30 days to complete its review of the arbitrator’s recommended decision and issue a final Order.  Accordingly, the Commission may not issue an Order until July 9, 1997.
I understand that the parties have willingly agreed to extend the deadline for completing the arbitration process, and I trust this additional time required for the Commission’s review will not be a problem.  If it is, please contact me immediately.
Sincerely,
Weldon B. Stutzman
Deputy Attorney General
cc:Myrna Walters
cm\L:harwood.ws