"The CDA Tribe's preferred mediator candidate was disqualified due to a conflict of interest. Of the two remaining candidates, fortunately one was acceptable to the federal-tribal team. As a result, John Thorson will be engaged as the mediator.
Mr. Thorson is very knowledgeable on these issues, as a former Special Master (judge) in the Arizona Adjudication. He resides in western Montana and is familiar with North Idaho. He has done his homework and should be able to hit the ground running.
We have a status conference with the Adjudication Court on April 20 and expect a formal appointment of Mr. Thorson will follow. In the meantime, the Idaho Attorney General's Office will work with the United States to put Mr. Thorson under contract. As previously reported, we do not expect any cost for the mediator will be allocated to our client group; the State will have sufficient funds to cover the Objectors' share of the cost and Avista will likely contribute, along with the federal-tribal side. Those details will be worked out as part of the contract with Mr. Thorson.
I will keep you updated as Mr. Thorson begins the formal mediation process. I am optimistic that he can help guide us to a reasonable conclusion to this matter."