EXHIBIT 23.1(b)


              INFORMATION REGARDING CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

         As previously disclosed in the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 14,
2002, the Company replaced Arthur Andersen LLP as its independent public
accountants and announced that the Company had appointed Ernst & Young LLP as
its independent auditors.

         After reasonable efforts, the Company was unable to obtain the written
consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to incorporate by reference its report dated
January 28, 2002 into this Registration Statement.

         The absence of this consent may limit recovery against Arthur Andersen
LLP under Section 11 of the Securities Act. In addition, as a practical matter,
the ability of Arthur Andersen LLP to satisfy any claims (including claims
arising from Arthur Andersen LLP's provision of auditing and other services to
the Company and Arthur Andersen LLP's other clients) may be limited due to
recent events regarding Arthur Andersen LLP, including without limitation its
conviction on federal obstruction of justice charges arising from the federal
government's investigation of Enron Corp.