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Portland, OR --Today Congressman David Wu was joined by Portland Mayor Tom Potter, Scott Porter, director of the Office of Consolidated Emergency Management, Metro Councilor Susan McLain and Ken Murphy, director of the Oregon Emergency Management office, to share how they are actively, collaboratively working on emergency preparedness.
"Together, we will not fail Oregonians," stated Congressman Wu. "Oregon will be prepared, and they will receive the competence and compassion from government they should expect."
Oregon public officials specifically addressed the steps they have taken to prepare Oregonians and communities for the threat of a 9.0 coastal earthquake and resulting tsunami. Such a catastrophic event will come without warning, devastate the Pacific Northwest coast and destroy roads, bridges and thousands of buildings in cities throughout the Willamette Valley, including downtown Portland.
Over the past several months, Congressman Wu has worked in Congress and in Oregon to educate and prepare residents of coastal communities. Today Congressman Wu spoke to Oregonians and community leaders of the Willamette Valley, urging everyone to take the necessary steps to prepare, just as coastal communities and residents have done and are continuing to do.
Congressman Wu continued, "In Portland and the Willamette Valley, our buildings need to be made much more earthquake resistant. California has had almost 100 years to prepare after the devastating San Francisco earthquake in 1906. Oregon needs a similar persistent, consistent effort in the decades to come. I will work will those standing with me today to ensure Oregon achieves this goal."
Congressman Wu has a direct role in Congress on emergency preparedness programs. He is ranking member of the Science Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards which has jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology which leads the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.
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