04/21/1998 08:25 AM House FIN

HOUSE BILL NO. 408                                                             
                                                                               
"An Act establishing the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety                         
Commission."                                                                   
                                                                               
MILTON WILTSE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL AND                            
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES,                           
FAIRBANKS spoke in support of HB 408.  The legislation                         
creates a seismic hazards safety commission.  The state of                     
Alaska has had an effective disaster emergency response                        
group that has worked out responses to seismic events.  He                     
stated that less has been done to avoid the adverse impacts                    
of earthquakes.  Other states have established similar                         
commissions as a result of Alaska's 1964 earthquake.                           
Policies implemented in California have reduced the loss of                    
life and property.  Because of disasters in the lower 48                       
states, federal disaster relief is being reviewed.  Draft                      
federal legislation has contained a requirement for state                      
mitigation measures to be in place for federal eligibility.                    
There are approximately 20 seismic hazards commissions in                      
the United States, including the state of Vermont.  He                         
stressed that the legislation could result in a decrease in                    
loss of life, property and cost of recovery.  It could also                    
help coordinate post activity events.  He noted that seismic                   
research activity continues.                                                   
                                                                               
Representative Foster expressed his support for the                            
legislation.                                                                   
                                                                               
HB 408 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.