Hi gals and guys. I'm too lame to write, and only spend 2 or 3 months a year in California so the odds are with me. Hopefully you will write. I did not check this out......Chris

SEISMIC ACTION ALERT

Proposal Would Eliminate Programs Crucial to Seismic Safety

YOUR LETTERS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!

BACKGROUND

The California Geological Survey identifies and maps seismic hazards through its Seismic Hazards Mapping Program (SHMP) as well as instruments buildings and ground sites through its Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (SMIP). These programs provide emergency response intelligence and improve building design. Because the work of SMIP and SHMP is valuable to new construction and public safety, funding for these programs comes largely from building fees that go into a fund expressly designated for these purposes. Combined, these programs are proposed to be funded a total $7.65 million from a special fund that cannot be spent for any other purpose.

The Governor's proposed budget increases funding to that level to accelerate the placement of instruments under the SMIP program and maintains current staff for SHMP that will be cut when Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds expire.

THE PROBLEM

Some legislative staff propose to not only reject these two proposals, but also shutdown the programs themselves to fund other, unspecified programs. This proposal surfaced quietly 4/11/03 when Assembly staff released their suggested budget changes to the Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Transportation and the Environment. The Budget Subcommittee likely will consider this idea in May. Urgent action is needed to ensure the Legislature does not follow this dangerous recommendation.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

·Support the Budget for these two programs, as proposed by Governor Davis.

·Write to your legislator(s) in support of the budget, as proposed.

·Share information about this threat with others. Ask others to defend SMIP & SHMP in writing.

http://www.seismicactivist.homestead.com/actionalrt.html

• seismic activist