EXHIBIT 99


PacifiCorp:                        Pacific Telecom:

Chris Hunter: (503) 731-2090       Brian M. Wirkkala: (360) 905-5800
Scott Hibbs:  (503) 731-2123

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE..BUSINESS & FINANCIAL EDITORS..July 14, 1995 

              PROPOSED PACIFIC TELECOM MERGER TRANSACTION DELAYED
              ___________________________________________________

          PacifiCorp (NYSE: "PPW") and Pacific Telecom, Inc. (Nasdaq National
Market: "PTCM") announced today that, consistent with Pacific Telecom's
acquisition strategy, Pacific Telecom is currently engaged in discussions
concerning potential transactions involving the acquisition of additional
rural local exchange assets.  In view of the possible transactions, the
financial advisors retained by the Special Committee of the Board of Directors
of Pacific Telecom in connection with the pending acquisition of the minority
interest of Pacific Telecom are reviewing certain aspects of one of the
proposed acquisitions and are considering its effect, if any, on their
opinions concerning the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
consideration to be received by the minority shareholders in the proposed
merger.  It is a condition to Pacific Telecom's obligation to consummate the
merger that neither of the fairness opinions shall have been modified,
withdrawn or revoked at the time of the mailing of the proxy statement
relating to Pacific Telecom's annual meeting of shareholders at which the
proposed merger will be considered.  Finalization of the proxy statement will
be delayed pending the outcome of this review.
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          The Special Committee has proposed to PacifiCorp Holdings that, in
view of the proposed transaction, PacifiCorp Holdings consider increasing the
amount of the merger consideration.  PacifiCorp Holdings has advised the
Special Committee that PacifiCorp Holdings is prepared to consummate the
proposed merger on the terms set forth in the merger agreement between the
parties, including the stated price of $30.00 per share, and does not intend
to increase the amount of the merger consideration.
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