Creating the Culture of a Secure Homeland: Combating Terrorism in Montana

Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
Whitefish
5/13/2003

Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today about the importance of creating a culture of a secure homeland and combating terrorism and dealing with other hazards in our great state.

As a result of the tragic events of September 11th, the United States has had to face the unfortunate reality of terrorism within our homeland. We now look to our government, our people and our state in different ways for leadership.

Through dedication and determination, we have worked to become better informed, more aware, and have increased our level of preparedness. This does not give us the luxury of relaxing our efforts, rather it provides us with the motivation to continue our mission of creating a secure homeland.

Very simply, we cannot become apathetic and let our guard down just because we haven't witnessed another 911. We must be vigilant.

Have you heard of the song "Have You Forgotten?" Listen to the words. They're a powerful reminder that all is not right in our world!

The reality is that the toughest part of our jobs has just begun. Through Homeland Security and the spirit of our citizens, our continuing priority will be a safer Montana… and a safer United States of America.

While the temptation is to believe and hope that no terrorist event could take place in our state, this would be naive and irresponsible. The expanse of our state, its rural and exclusive nature, its spectacular resources, and its economy all contribute to our vulnerability.

In the world of emergency management, you view your responsibilities on a much grander scale, as well you should. You are well aware that the focus of our effort is far broader than terrorism alone.

Collectively, we must work together to prevent and prepare for tragedies that encompass all hazards. Things like wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes - to the more challenging and unpredictable events such as terrorist attacks and utilization of weapons of mass destruction.

The training you are attending is a critical part of our efforts. You will be discussing, sharing, and learning about the issues that concern us most here in Montana.

As you well know, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of a terrorist attack in Montana, nor can we rule out the utilization of Montana as a place to orchestrate an attack elsewhere.

Over the past decade, Montana has had its share of clinic bombings and the Unabomber are haunting examples…and sad reminders… of what can occur within our borders. Unfortunately, domestic terrorism and those wanting to disrupt our way of life exists on our soil.

Again, your training here addresses some of my greatest concerns. As I reviewed the agenda, I was comforted to see you addressing such issues as the vast international border for which we are responsible.

Also, our critical infrastructure, both public and private, is being addressed here. Infrastructure that is not only important to Montanans, but critical to our neighbors as well.

I am very pleased that you will be discussing bio-terrorism and agri-terrorism…the security of our transportation systems…the issue of victims resulting from a catastrophic event… and sharing the information that will help us better coordinate our efforts at all levels of government in conjunction with our non-profit and private industry partners.

I see you will also be discussing responses to specific events. From the tragic view at Ground Zero in New York City to the challenging Alberton chlorine spill, I suspect many lessons have been learned and will be shared.

In emergency management, our best opportunities to learn come from the experiences of others. Likewise, our efforts to be better prepared come from the experiences of others.

Absorb these lessons and use this knowledge. What is learned here may be just what is needed to protect the lives of those you serve sometime in the future.

In discussing terrorism, we have three critical objectives:
Our first objective is to prevent it.
Our second is to reduce our vulnerability…
And our third point is that in the event of a disaster, we need to be fully prepared and have the people trained and resources ready and available to respond.

One thing we can control is our priorities and our level of preparedness.

As one example of training to be prepared, we held a fire drill at the Capitol during the legislative session. No one could remember the last time such a preparedness drill like that had taken place during a legislative session.

Our country has survived some very difficult times. The events of September 11, while incomprehensible, have presented us with some significant challenges. Facing these challenges can be intimidating and frightening. Yet it is also motivating and is a time of opportunities. It's exciting to know what we do today can and will make a difference tomorrow.

One of our greatest opportunities will come from the recent announcement by the Department of Homeland Security of a grant award of $5.3 million to the State of Montana for $5.3 million.

While emergency management has long been a priority, funding has been inadequate in comparison to our expectations. Now we have great opportunities…the majority of this money will be passed directly to local jurisdictions to improve their emergency response capabilities. This money will allow preparedness efforts to be determined and resolved at the local level.

What a great opportunity to better serve our citizens! What a great opportunity to better prepare our communities!

To assure the funding is utilized to enhance response capabilities as intended, the federal guidelines are very specific. They allow for the purchase of equipment that will contribute aid in responding to a Weapons of Mass Destruction event. Funding will provide awareness training and exercises, involving Weapons of Mass Destruction. And, it will help to accomplish our planning for terrorism response.

While we consistently are reminded about terrorism events, we all know that being prepared for a worst case scenario means being prepared for the known and unknown. Whether it's an earthquake in western Montana, severe weather in the eastern part of the state, or a random act targeting random areas, this funding will allow our communities the opportunity to be better prepared.

So, whatever approach you use, whatever terminology you refer to, the overall intent is to increase community response capabilities. Better prepared communities will result in better prepared state governments. Ultimately, our overall goal is a safer nation.

And we have more good news. Additional funding will be available to Montana through a war supplement grant.

In recognizing the vital role of state and local public safety agencies in providing for the security of our homeland, President Bush recently signed into law the Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2003. As we prepare to apply for this grant, we could receive $12.17 million. Again, the majority of this money will be passed directly to local governments for enhancing their response capabilities.

With each new day and each new disaster we face, I encourage you to continue responding to and recovering from these crises. We have increased our efforts and boast a bonded vigilance. This is not a new philosophy - it is an improved one.

Armed with an enhanced approach and a continual opportunity to improve and expand our resources, our focus is and has always been the safety of our citizens.

Continue working with your local experts in emergency management and sharing information at all levels of government. Utilize your knowledge, and work in unison. You, individually and collectively, are our best resource and our most knowledgeable asset.

Greet your challenges, seize your opportunities, and vow to work together and make a difference for your neighbors and our nation.

Thank you again for inviting me to be with you today. This is very important work that you are doing for the safety of our great state and our citizens.