20030903Decision Memo.pdf

MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER PAUL KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER MARSHA SMITH
COMMISSIONER DENNIS HANSEN
FROM:DOUG COOLEY
DATE:SEPTEMBER 2, 2003
RE:QUARTERLY UPDATE ON QWEST'S TECH III NETWORK
IMPROVEMENTS.
On August 13 2003, Qwest Corporation submitted its first request to the Commission for
reimbursement of $456 227 in expenses related to Tech III network improvements. Revenue
Sharing funds were approved for Qwest's Tech III improvements along with dollar-for-dollar
matching funds provided by the Company in Order No. 29197 (Case No. QWE-03-04).
I have reviewed the Company s request and the supporting documents and I believe the
expenses are consistent with Order 29197. The projects during 2003 have included replacement
of old aerial and lead sheathed cable as well as several access point replacements. I visited
several of these projects in various stages of completion in Rexburg, Idaho Falls and Pocatello in
June 2003 , and was told that the projects are chosen largely by the number of trouble calls and
repairs in each area. I also chose several proposed projects and had Qwest supply supporting
work papers, drawings, and comparative costs from similar projects completed in the past. Staff
will continue to confirm Qwest's investment amounts along with reviewing the percentage of
capital, removal, and maintenance costs Qwest submits for reimbursement from the Revenue
Sharing fund. I will also continue to visit and review the supporting paperwork of future
proposed projects.
With approximately $4 million in Revenue Sharing funds committed to these projects
there will remain just over $3.5 million for Tech III after Qwest receives its first reimbursement.
If there are no objections, I plan to write to Alyson Anderson this week and direct her to release
$456 227 to Qwest.
umemos/Tech III Memo