HJM 4000-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/14/03)

Finds that the Pacific Northwest Economic Region has launched the first multistate, binational Partnership for Regional Infrastructure Security, bringing over one hundred twenty public and private stakeholders to address interdependency issues and work toward an action plan for a "disaster resistant" region.

Finds that the Pacific Northwest Economic Region completed the first binational critical infrastructure desktop exercise called Blue Cascades.

Finds that the Blue Cascade exercise identified numerous areas of concern in critical infrastructure cascading effects.

Indicates support for the United States Department of Homeland Security to develop an action plan addressing the key findings of the Blue Cascades for regional infrastructure security.