Program Name Senator Peter Courtney's Efforts
Administering Agency Oregon Seismic Safety Policy
Advisory Commission
Contact Person (Name/Title)
Senator
Peter Courtney
Address Western
Oregon University,
Administration Building,
345 N. Monmouth Ave.,
Monmouth OR
97361
Telephone Number
503-838-8494
Fax Number
503-838-8600
Senator
Peter Courtney is a champion on earthquake safety for the State of Oregon.
Senator Courtney understands that Oregonians are at risk from destructive
earthquakes and that he can help protect them in critical situations.
Senator Courtney is an active member of the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy
Advisory Commission (OSSPAC).
As one of the two Legislators
on OSSPAC, Senator Courtney has effectively increased the public's awareness
on earthquake hazards. He has persevered in this fight by taking concrete
steps to reduce the unacceptably high risks. Importantly, he and the
Commission developed legislation to mandate earthquake drills in state
government, to ensure that schools and public universities have life-safe
buildings, and to ensure that hospitals and fire stations operate for the
communities after large earthquakes.
He and the Commission have discussed the legislation
with stakeholders for each bill. Attached are pertinent legislation: Senate
Bill 14, Senate Bill
15,
Senate
Bill 13, Senate Joint Resolution 21, and Senate Joint Resolution 22.
Currently, the legislation has passed the House and Senate chambers. In
order to become law, they need to be approved by Ways and Means and pass the
Floor. If these bills pass, a prioritized list for mitigating schools,
hospitals and fire stations will be developed.
In November 2002, Oregon voters will decide whether or not to fund
statewide mitigation. Oregonians will be better prepared for future
destructive earthquakes. Also, casualties and economic losses will be
reduced.
