Rep. Suzan DelBene, others push for earthquake warning system funding
Mar 16, 2018, 2:10 PM
Lawmakers are asking for more federal funding to allow USGS to finish building an earthquake warning system. (File, Associated Press)
(File, Associated Press)
A day after researchers released an in-depth analysis of the damage a Cascadia earthquake will cause, lawmakers sent a letter urging the federal government to increase funding for a warning system.
History won’t let us forget we’re due
Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Washington), joined by more than 40 members of Congress primarily from the West Coast, urges the Appropriations Committee to provide $16.1 million in 2019 to the earthquake warning system. The system is being developed by the USGS, University of Washington, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and the University of Oregon.
“While the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places to live, its landscape also presents unique challenges,” said Rep. DelBene. “Unfortunately, we know all too well earthquakes can cause great devastation and the U.S. Geological Survey has told us it’s only a matter of time before the next big one. We can and must make smart investments now in resources and research efforts to help prevent future natural disasters from becoming national tragedies.”
The ask from lawmakers follows a report from Oregon that states up to 85,000 people will be displaced by a magnitude 9 earthquake in the studied area. The Seattle Times first reported on the study, point out that casualties will range from 4,400 to 27,200. Building repair costs will be anywhere from $23 billion to $36 billion.
Granted, a fully funded earthquake warning system will not stop the damage nor prevent displacement. The goal is to give people time to shut down critical infrastructure and enough time to find a safe place to hide.
Last year, USGS estimated it would cost $38.3 million in capital investment to complete the system along the West Coast. That was in addition to the funding developers already had.
Congress increased funding for the project to $8.2 million in 2016. Funding was increased to $10.2 million for fiscal year 2017. The 2018 House Interior bill included $10.2 million, but it has not been enacted.
According to the statement from lawmakers, the system’s developers still need just over $38 million.
The earthquake warning system is estimated to cost about $16 million to run, once complete.
