20010315_ws.doc

March 15, 2001

Mary S Hobson
Stoel Rives LLP
101 S. Capitol Blvd., Ste 1900
Boise ID 83702-5958

Re: Testimony in the High Cost Fund, Case No. GNR-T-00-02/GNR-T-97-22

Dear Mary:

This is to confirm our understanding regarding the presentation of testimony at the hearing in the high cost fund scheduled to commence on March 20, 2001. In accordance with the instructions of the Commission in Order No. 28602, neither Qwest nor Staff will attempt to spread on the record testimony by their expert witnesses relating to cost models. Specifically, Staff will not spread the supplemental rebuttal testimony of Ben Johnson dated February 28, 2001; Qwest will not spread the rebuttal testimony of Byron Watson dated December 15, 2000. In addition, I understand the direct testimony of Byron Watson and Michelle Eslinger dated December 15, 2000, has been replaced with the direct testimony filed by those parties dated February 5, 2001. Accordingly, the December 15, 2000 testimony will not be spread on the record. Finally, a question and answer from Ben Johnson’s direct testimony dated December 15, 2000 will be removed because it relates to cost model inputs. That question and answer appear on page 9, line 19 and end at line 11, page 10. Also, Staff will not spread Appendix B to Mr. Johnson’s rebuttal testimony. Appendix A, C and D will be spread on the record.

To clarify, the following is a list of the testimony to be presented at the hearing next Tuesday:

Staff
Carolee Hall Direct Testimony December 15, 2000 Rebuttal Testimony February 28, 2001
Ben Johnson Direct Testimony December 15, 2000 Rebuttal Testimony February 28, 2001
Including Appendix A, C & D
Qwest
Byron Watson Direct testimony February 5, 2001 Rebuttal Testimony February 28, 2001
Michelle Eslinger Direct Testimony February 5, 2001 Rebuttal Testimony February 28, 2001
Pamela Hedlund Rebuttal Testimony February 28, 2001 Reply Testimony May 24, 2000
Verizon
Edward Beauvais Direct Testimony December 15, 2000 Reply Testimony February 28, 2001
AT&T
Natalie Baker Supplemental Direct Testimony December 15, 2000
I understand the parties have agreed, without objection from the Commission, that the testimony of Pamela Hedlund and Natalie Baker can be spread without appearance by those witnesses at the hearing.

If my understanding of the testimony to be presented differs from your understanding, please let me know without delay. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Weldon B. Stutzman
Deputy Attorney General

Cc: Jean Jewell, Commission Secretary
Parties of Record

Vld/L:Hobson_ws_GNR-T-00-02/-97-22
Mary S. Hobson
3.15.01
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