mh/bond.pr                         Contact:  David Weaver, 301-217-6530

DUNCAN, STATE LEGISLATORS SEEK
BOND BILL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
RESCUE STORAGE FACILITY            For Immediate Release:  February 22, 1996



     Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today called on State
lawmakers in Annapolis to approve a $400,000 State bond bill for the
construction of a storage facility for the County's 130-member Urban Search
and Rescue Team (USAR).  Currently, the team stores more than 27 tons of
equipment at two Rockville Volunteer Fire Department stations.  As proposed,
the legislation would provide non-matching funds to build a single,
centralized storage facility for the team's equipment.
     "The train accident in Silver Spring last Friday was an example of how 
our fire and rescue personnel respond to our calls for help," said Duncan. 
"Today, we are here to answer their call, and hopefully, the General Assembly
will do so as well."
     Montgomery County's USAR team -- designated as Maryland Task Force #1 --
is the only unit in Maryland recognized by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), and one of only 25 nationwide.  Over the past two years, the
team has responded to numerous local, state and national disasters, including
the Oklahoma City bombing last April and the train collision in Silver Spring
last week.
     House Bill #1313 was introduced this week by delegates Kumar Barve,
Carol Petzold, Nancy Kopp, Peter Franchot, John Hurson, Richard La Vay, Jean
Cryor, Mark Shriver and Henry Heller.  Senate Bill #743 was introduced by 
                                  -more-

USAR BOND BILL                               2-2-2-2

Senators Ida Ruben, Leonard Teitlebaum, Christopher Van Hollen, Jennie
Forehand, Brian Frosh, Jean Roesser and Patrick "P.J." Hogan.
     The equipment and the USAR team are funded by FEMA.  When activated, the
team is able to work independent with outside resources for up to three days. 
Equipment used by the team includes victim location monitoring devices,
medical supplies, trench rescue and shoring tools, communication gear,
electrical and lighting equipment, safety gear, tents, power tools, and food
and cooking supplies.
     If approved, the bill would become effective June 1, 1996. 
                                   # # #     


    

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