An Eastern Washington Republican lawmaker gains unanimous approval for a program to assist in search and rescue efforts.
Representative Keith Goehner (GAY-NER) said there will always be a need for these missions as more and more people access our state’s beautiful backcountry.
“We have some great areas in the state of Washington – they’re very attractive to people, not only Washingtonians but people throughout the world. But unfortunately, Madam Speaker, there are times when things don’t go the way they planned, and they do need to rescue.”
Goehner’s House Bill 2257 would create a mechanism to provide greater financial support through Legislative appropriations, donations, grants, or funds from other public or private sources.
“It sets up a fund within the Washington Military Department for contributions to be made to disperse to counties or these nonprofit search and rescue organizations to get reimbursement for some of the specialized equipment that they need.”
The state’s Military Department Emergency Management Division estimates there are approximately one thousand search and rescue missions annually in Washington.
The bill is now in the Senate for consideration.
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