Plaistow_dh7.doc

December 29, 2000

FED EX

Joseph J. Plaistow
L.E. Peabody & Associates, Inc.
1501 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314-3449

Re: Request for Additional Compensation

Dear Joe,

Please excuse the delay in responding to your letter but I have been unavoidably out of the office this month. In your letter dated November 18, 2000, you inquired whether the Commission could increase the Camas Prairie contract to cover your billings which exceeded the compensation amount. Your letter also summarizes the circumstances which led to the second part of the contract (the additional $35,000) being underestimated.

Upon receiving your letter, I forwarded it to the Commissioners. After reviewing your letter, the Commission has decided not to increase the total amount of compensation reflected in the amended contract. The Commission has concluded that additional funds are not available. The State spent more than $110,000 prosecuting this case.

Despite the lack of additional funds, I again want to extend my appreciation for your hard work during this case. Although the State was not successful in preventing the abandonment, your efforts were instrumental in helping us evaluate the Railroad’s case and present our own case.

Please call me if you have any questions. Best wishes for a prosperous New Year.

Sincerely yours,

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

cc: Commissioners

Vld/L:Plaistow_dh7