Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today sent a letter to House Appropriators asking for increased funding for landslide research.

“On March 22, 2014, a massive landslide in Oso, Washington destroyed homes, damaged public infrastructure, and blocked the Stillaguamish River. The scope of the tragedy was unimaginable as 43 people lost their lives and many more were injured,” DelBene wrote. “I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do everything we can to prevent a similar tragedy in the future - not only for my constituents - but for those similarly threatened across the country.”

In the letter, DelBene requested the highest possible funding for the Landslide Hazards Program and funding for Light Distance and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, both of which are administered through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Hazards programs, such as earthquakes and volcanoes, receive much more funding than landslides. While USGS is authorized to spend up to $300 million annually to purchase LiDAR, often only about 10 percent of this funding is appropriated.

Reps. Jim McDermott (WA-07) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) signed onto DelBene’s letter, which can be found HERE.

DelBene is also working on legislation to increase funding for landslide research and mapping efforts and has called for an increase in funding for earthquake early warning systems.

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