Aircraft are vital to wildland fire response. This is particularly true of initial attack, when air resources are often the difference between a disaster and a relatively minor event. In order to be effective, air resources must be pre-positioned and available on a moment's notice. This can't be done unless the fire fighting agency has direct control over the resource. That control can be accomplished either through ownership of the resource, or contracting with a private business. In this regard, cost effectiveness is an issue. If a private company can deliver a cost-effective solution, why would the need a government protected market share?
Missoula County opposes House Bill 468 - Generally revise laws regarding use of aircraft by any state agency, before the House Natural Resources Committee this afternoon. Aircraft are vital to wildland fire response. This is particularly true of initial attack, when air resources are often the difference between a disaster and a relatively minor event. In order to be effective, air resources must be pre-positioned and available on a moment's notice. This cannot be done unless the fire fighting agency has direct control over the resource. Placing that control solely through private sector contracts will reduce this control unless the private assets are paid to be available, greatly increasing costs. Please oppose HB 468. Respectfully, Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
Aircraft are vital to wildland fire response. This is particularly true of initial attack, when air resources are often the difference between a disaster and a relatively minor event. In order to be effective, air resources must be pre-positioned and available on a moment's notice. This can't be done unless the fire fighting agency has direct control over the resource. That control can be accomplished either through ownership of the resource, or contracting with a private business. In this regard, cost effectiveness is an issue. If a private company can deliver a cost-effective solution, why would the need a government protected market share?
ReplyDeleteMessage sent to the Missoula Reps:
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes House Bill 468 - Generally revise laws regarding use of aircraft by any state agency, before the House Natural Resources Committee this afternoon. Aircraft are vital to wildland fire response. This is particularly true of initial attack, when air resources are often the difference between a disaster and a relatively minor event. In order to be effective, air resources must be pre-positioned and available on a moment's notice. This cannot be done unless the fire fighting agency has direct control over the resource. Placing that control solely through private sector contracts will reduce this control unless the private assets are paid to be available, greatly increasing costs. Please oppose HB 468.
Respectfully,
Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners