For Immediate Release:

Thursday, June 27, 2002

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today announced that she has successfully secured $11.6 million for the construction of an emergency training center in Spokane.

Murray secured the funds for the Combined Readiness Center (CRC) in the Senate 2003 Military Construction bill. The center will help federal and local agencies prepare for and respond to regional emergencies. The Military Construction bill passed the Senate by a vote of 97-2.

"The Spokane Readiness Center will provide our emergency responders with the skills and resources needed to protect Washington state residents from everything from earthquakes to bioterrorism," Senator Murray said. "Thanks to the cooperation between federal, state and local governments, the Spokane center will enhance the safety and security of our local communities."

The funding Murray secured for the Spokane CRC was not included in the President's military construction request, and is 32%, or $2.8 million dollars, more than the House appropriation. The Senate has approved the full federal share of the Center.

CRCs are designed to prepare the National Guard as well as state and local first responders to combat natural disasters and other emergencies. These centers are located near local first responders such as Fire and Police Departments, allowing all responders to coordinate for effective operations.

Spokane CRC is the third such center for which Senator Murray has secured funding. Bremerton and Yakima have CRCs; the Spokane center completes the regional network.

Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg, The Adjutant General and Director of the Washington Military Department praised Senator Murray's work on behalf of the Spokane CRC.

"We are grateful to Senator Murray for assuring we have the resources to execute our state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan," said Major General Lowenberg. "The Spokane Readiness Center will significantly enhance our ability to provide for the safety and security of the citizens of Washington by providing a multi-jurisdictional training environment that strengthens the relationships between the Washington National Guard and other emergency responders."