(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Facing $10 billion in cuts to the eleven appropriations bills passed by the Senate last year, Senator Patty Murray announced that she has successfully increased funding for a key Cowlitz County priority in the Omnibus Appropriations bill.
Murray secured $2 million – a $1.5 million increase over the original funding level – in the fiscal year 2003 Senate spending bill to replace Cowlitz County’s Emergency Response Radio system. The bill passed the full Senate 69-29 late Thursday night.
The Cowlitz County Emergency Radio Response system is used to ensure public safety response, emergency communications, and homeland security for the residents and emergency responders in Cowlitz County. Portions of the current warning system are more than twenty-five years old and are at risk of failing without warning.
“The events of September 11th taught us all that communication is critical in emergency situations,” Senator Murray said. “I am very pleased to be able to provide an increase in federal support to replace this out-of-date communications system. Replacement of this system is both urgent and necessary to ensure the safety of Cowlitz County residents.”
Senator Murray will fight to maintain this funding level when the bill goes to Conference with the House.
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