1988-10-26 Char-Koosta News

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A news puBfication of the Salish and "Kootenai Tribes
the Jlathead Indian Reservation
Chief Charlo of the Salish VOLUME 17, NUMBER 23
THE HUNTING MONTH
Chief Koostatah of the Kootenai OCTOBER 26,1988
FIIP power division is officially Mission Valley Power now
The Department of Interior has granted local control of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project's (FIIP) power division to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation.
The newly renamed utility, Mission Valley Power, will be run by an Indian and non-Indian board of directors. Board membership includes Tribal members Thurman Trosper, Fred
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Houle, and Joel Clairmont and non-members Scott Walker and Paddy Trusler.
"The change is the result of a four-year effort by the people of the Tribes to localize management of FIIP," said Trosper, chairman of the utility's board of directors. "It's all part of an effort to make our power system more responsive to the needs of the consumers while maintaining one of the lowest electricity rates in Montana."
FIIP previously was managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. "We feel a special effort needs to be made to involve MVP customers in the issues that affect them most," Trosper commented.
MVP management has sought the assistance of the commissioners of three counties for nominees to serve on a seven-member consumer council to represent the varied populace of the 1.2 million-acre reservation. BIA superintendent Wyman Babby will be making
the final appointments.
The utility also has plans to distribute consumer surveys and provide a toll-free number to give customers easy access and a chance to provide more input.
Local programs, such as subsidies for irrigators, will be continued under the new management. "Our goal is to keep what was good about FIIP and improve upon it. Just being closer to the consumer will help this effort," Trosper added.
Under the new management, Mission Valley Power still will have the right to "bargain-block" electricity from Montana Power. And, like FIIP, MVP qualifies for the lowest rates offered by the Bonneville Power Administration.
Announcement of the transfer of management was made Oct. 20 through a full-page ad in three local papers, although the contract actually became effective Oct. 10.
For further information, contact Greg DuMontier at 406/675-2700.
District meeting down south tomorrow
A combined St. Ignatius - Arlee - Dixon district meeting has been set for tomorrow evening (Oct 27), beginning at 7 p.m. at the St. Ignatius community center. The purpose is to provide an update on Tribal matters. Dinner will be served.