MI Resilience Plan

I placed this here as something we might want to emulate. It does not appear in the left sidebar.

See Oregon's Resilience Plan (Overview) here.

OSSPAC

Introduction

The Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission (OSSPAC), otherwise known as the Earthquake Commission, has the unique task of promoting earthquake awareness and preparedness through education, research, and legislation. The mission of OSSPAC positively influence decisions and policies regarding pre-disaster mitigation of earthquake and tsunami hazards, increase public understanding of hazard, risk, exposure, and vulnerability through education seminars, etc., and be responsive to the new studies and/or issues raised around earthquakes and tsunamis. In order to fulfill the goals of the commission, OSSPAC members have developed five primary objectives. These objectives are to increase or improve:

earthquake awareness, education, and preparedness,
earthquake risk information,
the earthquake safety of buildings and lifelines,
geoscience and technical information, and
emergency pre-disaster planning, response and recovery efforts.

OSSPAC is a well-rounded group of 18 individuals who represent a variety of interests concerned with the formulation of public policy regarding earthquakes. It is made up of six representatives of government, six representatives of the public interest, and six representatives of industries and stakeholders. This variety of interests helps direct the goals of the Commission for the benefit of all Oregon citizens.

History

As a result of the Loma Prieta Earthquake in the Bay Area of California in 1989, Oregon residents wanted the State government to address the earthquake hazard and preparedness of the State. As a result, the Interagency Seismic Task Force recommended that a new state commission be formed in response to this need. OSSPAC was formed as a result of Senate Bill 96 in 1991. Since this time, OSSPAC has continued to increase Oregon ’s awareness to earthquake hazards by supporting earthquake education, research, and legislation. Every two years, OSSPAC provides a summary report to the Governor of the Commission's activities. OSSPAC has also formed relationships with the Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC) and the California Seismic Safety Commission which provides a persuasive advantage to affect federal policy for the West Coast.

Mission

The mission of the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission (OSSPAC) is described in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS, 2009 edition), Section 401.918:

http://landru.leg.state.or.us/ors/401.html

(1) The mission of the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission shall be to reduce exposure to earthquake hazards in Oregon by:

(a) Developing and influencing policy at the federal, state and local levels;

(b) Facilitating improved public understanding and encouraging identification of

risk;

(d) Supporting appropriate mitigation;

(e) Supporting response and recovery; and

(f) Supporting and assisting in the coordination of a grant program for the

disbursement of funds for seismic rehabilitation of schools and emergency

facilities.

(2) The commission shall utilize and influence existing agencies and institutions in meeting its goals and is in no way intended to replace or compete with existing authorities relative to earthquakes. Emphasis shall be on coordination and linking of existing resources and authorities.

(3) To improve public understanding of earthquake hazards, reduce such hazards and mitigate the possible effects of potentially damaging earthquakes, the commission shall review and advise the Governor and the Legislative Assembly concerning all plans and proposals addressing seismic hazards in the areas of:

(a) Any legislative proposals

(b) Plans and proposals of statewide impact

by state agency