SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Maria Cantwell of Washington have reintroduced legislation aimed at reauthorizing the National Landslide Preparedness Act. The bill, which passed the Senate last year but did not advance in the House of Representatives, seeks to assist communities in preparing for and responding to landslides.

Senator Murkowski highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Alaska due to recent landslides, such as the Wolfe Point incident in Ketchikan this March. "Many communities across Alaska are still reeling from the aftermath of recent landslides," she stated. She emphasized that many areas lack access to crucial data and monitoring systems needed for effective warnings. "This legislation provides resources to communities, allowing them to create response plans and improve emergency preparedness," she added.

Senator Cantwell pointed out improvements made since the initial passing of the bill, including advancements in mapping technologies and a better understanding of landslide risks. "Since we passed this bill, federal agencies have improved mapping technologies and gained a better understanding of the landslide risks facing our communities," Cantwell noted. She stressed the importance of updating these programs given increased risks from events like wildfires and atmospheric river occurrences.

The proposed bill would extend the National Landslide Preparedness Act through Fiscal Year 2035, authorizing additional funding for initiatives such as deploying early warning systems in high-risk areas under the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It also aims to support USGS's Hazards Reduction Program by creating a national strategy, a hazards database, and an early warning system for debris flow.

Additionally, Senator Murkowski has played a key role in securing over $14 million in federal funding over three years for landslide-related projects in Alaska.