Press Release: November Designated Avalanche Awareness Month

Click image for large 5'' x 7'' picture, 153.5k

Session:
State Capitol, Room 125
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-6600
Fax: (907) 465-3805

Interim:
600 E. Railroad Ave.
Wasilla, AK 99654-7035
Phone: (907) 376-3370
Fax: (907) 376-3157

For Immediate Release: February 12, 2001

Contact: Senator Lyda Green at (907) 465-6600

(JUNEAU) -- A resolution to raise public awareness of the dangers of avalanches became the first piece of legislation to pass the Legislature when the House unanimously approved it on Monday.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, sponsored by Sen. Lyda Green (R-Matanuska-Susitna), was drafted at the request of the Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Response Team (BAART), an association of the families of avalanche victims. The resolution would designate November 2001 as Avalanche Awareness Month.

"The Mat-Su Borough was badly impacted by the loss of three young men to avalanches last year," said Green. "Their families have reached out to organize and work with existing groups to create awareness of avalanche areas and how individuals can help in rescuing avalanche victims."

"There were 14 avalanche related fatalities in 1999, and this year might break that record," said Representative Pete Kott (R-Anchorage), speaking from the floor of the House during debate on the resolution. "Hopefully with the passage of this resolution, the information about the danger of avalanches will get out to the entities that can make a difference, and to the private sector. If these groups can work together I think we can have an impact and save the lives of Alaskans."

SCR 1 will be sent to the governor's office for filing.

# # #

Attachments:

Print Friendly Version
requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 102 K
Sponsor Statement

Broadcasters Note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line:
1-800-478-6540 or below.

= Pete Kott, 101 K

| Sen. Green's Page |

The Official Web Site of the House and Senate Legislative Majorities
for the 22nd Alaska State Legislature
To Report Technical Problems or Contact Webmasters