Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 1, 2004
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Mt. St. Helens
Gov. Gary Locke has issued the following statement on today's events at Mt. St. Helens:
“I am continuing to closely monitor the situation developing at Mt. St. Helens in conjunction with our state Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the U.S. Geological Survey.
“Today around noon, Mt. St. Helens released steam mixed with ash. This minor event was consistent with what had been expected by scientists. We don’t know whether further events will happen at this time, but will continue to monitor the situation.
“Representatives from relevant state agencies have been dispatched to the state Emergency Operations Center and are prepared to assist in whatever way they are needed.
“Since 1980, we have developed sophisticated monitoring and communications systems to gather and share information on Mt. St. Helens. We have taken many steps to mitigate possible hazards in the area. Our state has been a leader in hazard mitigation, as illustrated by our recent first-in-the-nation completion of an enhanced hazard mitigation plan earlier this year, as required by FEMA.”