 |
Press Release |
Reducing Wildfire Risks Top Priority
for New WGA Chair, Gov. Judy Martz of
Montana
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2002
Contact: Karen Deike (303) 623-9378 or (303) 246-4395
Mary Schwarz (Gov. Martz' Office) 406-444-5523
| PHOENIX (June 25, 2002; 10 a.m. PDT) - Gov. Judy
Martz of Montana said reducing the risk of wildland fire to communities
and the environment will be her top priority as the new Chairman of the
Western Governors' Association. Following their Annual Meeting, the
governors were expected to meet briefly with President Bush at Sky Harbor
International Airport who toured the devastating wildfire at Show Low,
Arizona and met with evacuees and firefighters.
Gov. Martz was elected chairman on the final day of the WGA Annual Meeting. The governors also adopted policy resolutions and discussed on how regional partnerships can boost tourism, a major economic engine for most Western states. During the meeting, the governors discussed the wildfire situation and their efforts to implement a 10-year strategy to improve forest health. They adopted a policy resolution to guide their efforts. They also said they are communicating with Congress their support for full funding of all components of the national fire plan next year and beyond. "Regardless of our political and philosophical differences, it's imperative that we all join together to act responsibly in preserving forest health, to protect families, wildlife, fisheries, our ecosystem and our economies," Martz said. "And that's why next year, as chairman of the Western Governors, forest health will be my number one issue." In addition to improved forest health, Gov. Martz will continue WGA's efforts to ensure reliable and affordable electricity. She will also pursue an agenda related to workforce development and education and tourism as an engine for economic development. "I look forward to the Association developing new insights that can help each of our states and our region continue to strengthen our economies," Martz said. "This is especially critical in the wake of last year's economic downturn and the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Tourism, trade and homeland security all rely on a strong, integrated underlying physical infrastructure, including secure and efficient communications and transportation systems." Martz said the region's economic health and quality of life are dependent upon successfully tackling the challenges presented by these four priorities. The Western Governors' Association is an independent, nonprofit organization representing the governors of 18 states and three U.S.-Flag islands in the Pacific. Through their Association, the Western governors identify and address key policy and governance issues in natural resources, the environment, human services, economic development, international relations and public management. # # # # # |