Reps. Miller, A., Barrett, Canfield, Faris, Hoadley, LaVoy, Poleski and Whiteford offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 339.

            A resolution to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Michigan State Police Hazardous Materials Training Center.

            Whereas, The Michigan State Police's Hazardous Materials Training Center was dedicated by Governor John Engler on September 26, 1991. This four-acre facility was constructed at the state's secondary complex in Lansing entirely with support from private industry donations that totaled more than $350,000. Many Michigan industries, including the state's chemical, railroad, petroleum, asphalt paving, manufacturing, propane, and trucking sectors, collaborated to develop this center; and

            Whereas, Hazardous material specialists from founding companies still provide instruction at the facility. This center, since operated by the Michigan State Police and now known as the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center, was the first public training center of its kind in the United States and remains a national leader in hazardous material emergency training; and

            Whereas, This center has provided comprehensive training to approximately 2,000 individuals each year, including individuals from the public and private sectors, from every county in Michigan, and from across the United States and as far away as Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. The curriculum utilizes hands-on training and simulation aids such as railroad cars, highway tank trailers, above/below ground storage tanks, confined spaces, and personal protection clothing and equipment to provide a realistic training environment. This effort represents a true example of private-public partnership with a collaborative- and objective-based training approach. The project continues to serve the people of Michigan by ensuring that our state's emergency responders have an effective training and exercise program; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Michigan State Police Hazardous Materials Training Center. We recognize the efforts of partners in government, industry, and Michigan communities to develop this unique entity and to continue its work.