Brief Description: Supporting regional infrastructure security.

Sponsors: Representatives Morris, Kenney, Conway and Lovick.

Hearing Date: 1/14/03

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7166).

Background:

In 1991 the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Agreement was enacted in Washington. The agreement created a regional forum that explores promoting regional collaboration and enhancing regional competitiveness in international and domestic markets. Policy areas within PNWER's consideration include international trade, economic development, human resources, environment and natural resources, energy, and education. Substantive actions of PNWER may take the form of uniform legislation and other policy initiatives endorsed by participating entities.

Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon are members of PNWER. The organization's structure consists of a delegate council and an executive committee. Legislators are appointed by participating states and provinces to serve on these committees. The PNWER also has working groups for various policy areas.

In 2001 the PNWER launched the Partnership for Regional Infrastructure Security. It sponsored a day-long table-top exercise in June 2002 that explored infrastructure interdependencies within the region. Participants are developing recommendations to address both long-term and short-term shortfalls in regional disaster preparedness.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature expresses its support to the President of the United States, the United States Congress, and the Secretary-Designate for the Department of Homeland Security for the development of an action plan by the Department of Homeland Security that addresses the key findings of the Blue Cascades exercise for regional infrastructure security. The Legislature also recognizes:

•    The PNWER's efforts to develop a multi-state, binational Partnership for Regional Infrastructure Security of public and private stakeholders to address interdependency issues and work toward an action plan for a "disaster resistant" region; and

•    The completion of the first binational critical infrastructure desktop exercise known as Blue Cascades and the identification of areas of concern for infrastructure cascading effects.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.