01.17.12

Murkowski to Hold Tsunami Debris Fact-Finding Roundtable

Senator: “Our Coastlines are the Frontlines,” Event Will Be Webcast Statewide

Senator Murkowski today announced she is holding a roundtable discussion this Friday on the Alaskan impacts of last year’s tsunami in Japan – exploring what debris has been found and informing the public discussion on moving forward.

“It has been nearly a year since the earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a tragic loss of life and property, and Alaskans know that our coastlines are the frontlines in terms of dealing with some of the effects,” said Murkowski.  “Alaskans need to hear what is being seen and what is being done, and that’s the reason I am bringing together state, federal and industry experts.  I’ll also be webcasting the event so every Alaskan can hear it for themselves, whether they’re on the railbelt or hundreds of miles away in fishing towns.”

What: Tsunami debris roundtable

When: Friday, January 20th, 10:30am-11:30

Where: UAA Campus, Gorsuch Commons (3700 Sharon Gagnon Lane), Room 107

Who: Peter Murphy, Alaska Coordinator, NOAA Marine Debris Program; Kristin Ryan, Environmental Health Director,  State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and Dave Gaudet, Marine Debris Program Coordinator, Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation

Webcast: https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Social-Media

Parking:  Available in the Willow Visitor Parking Lot, located off of Elmore. The Commons Building is off of Elmore, between Providence Dr. and Tudor Rd. Parking fees only in the Willow lot will be waived for the meeting.