Lawmakers to Bring Fire Suppression Debate to Libby, Thompson Falls
A legislative committee will meet June 19 in Thompson Falls and June 20 in Libby to discuss issues surrounding the state's wildfire suppression efforts. The public is invited to attend and will have an opportunity to comment.
The Fire Suppression Interim Committee will meet June 19 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Thompson Falls High School gymnasium.
The committee will then travel to Libby for a June 20 meeting beginning at 8 a.m. in the Little Theater of the Central Administrative Building. Public comment is scheduled for about 11 a.m. to noon.
The committee is especially interested in hearing public reaction to several draft documents it has produced in recent months. The documents, as well as an agenda, are available on the committee's Web site at www.leg.mt.gov/fire. Click on "Materials and Committee Recommendations to Review Prior to Participating in Public Hearings."
Rep. Chas Vincent, R-Libby, will chair the meetings.
"The purpose of these hearings is to bring legislative eyes and ears to the citizens of Libby and Thompson Falls and allow them to suggest ways to mitigate rampant fire suppression costs," Rep. Vincent said. "I hope for a good citizen turnout since Lincoln and Sanders counties both have social, economic, and environmental values germane to this committee's discussions."
The committee has been traveling the state in an effort to get public feedback on its work. It has already met in Hamilton, Lewistown, and Miles City, and it plans a meeting earlier June 19 in Seeley Lake.
In addition to Rep. Vincent, other members of the Fire Suppression Interim Committee are Sens. John Cobb, R-Augusta; Ken Hansen, D-Harlem; Rick Laible, R-Darby; Dave Lewis, R-Helena; Gerald Pease, D-Lodge Grass; and Carol Williams, D-Missoula; and Reps. Steve Bolstad, D-Great Falls; Jim Keane, D-Butte; Krayton Kerns, R-Laurel; Rick Ripley, R-Wolf Creek; and Bill Wilson, D-Great Falls.
For more information, contact Leanne Heisel, legislative research analyst and committee staffer, at 444-3593 or lheisel@mt.gov.
