Murkowski, Cantwell Reintroduce Legislation to Reauthorize the National Landslide Preparedness Act
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today introduced a bill to reauthorize the National Landslide Preparedness Act, to help communities prepare for, and respond to, landslides. The bill passed the Senate late last year, but failed to pass the House of Representatives.
“Many communities across Alaska are still reeling from the aftermath of recent landslides. Most recently, Ketchikan is working to stabilize roads following the Wolfe Point landslide in March. Many of those facing significant landslide hazards lack access to sufficient data, monitors, and forecasting abilities to warn residents when they are in danger,” Sen. Murkowski said. “This legislation provides resources to communities, allowing them to create response plans and improve emergency preparedness. We must do everything we can to safeguard our communities and protect Alaskans from fatal natural disasters, and that is why I will continue to advocate for the reauthorization of this bill.”
“Since we passed this bill, federal agencies have improved mapping technologies and gained a better understanding of the landslide risks facing our communities,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Now, more than a decade since the devastating Oso landslide, and as more wildfires and atmospheric river events make landslides more likely, we must reauthorize and update these federal programs to help keep communities safe.”
Background: The bill reauthorizes the National Landslide Preparedness Act for 10 years, through Fiscal Year 2035, and authorizes additional funding for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to prioritize purchasing, repairing, and deployment of landslide early warning systems in high-risk areas. The National Landslide Preparedness Act previously authorized USGS’ Hazards Reduction Program to include the creation of a national strategy, a national landslide hazards database, and a debris flow early warning system. The measure also created the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Landslide Hazards, a federal Advisory Committee on Landslides, and two grant programs.
In addition to her authorizing legislation, Murkowski, a senior appropriator, has secured more than $14 million in federal funding over the past three years for landslides-related work in Alaska, including for Barry Arm and Prince William Sound.
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