DelBene Announces $1 Million in Federal Landslide Preparedness Funding

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that Washington will receive $300,000 from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as part of a nearly $1 million federal investment in landslide preparedness and research efforts nationwide that will save lives and better protect communities. This funding was made possible through DelBene's National Landslide Preparedness Act, which was signed into law in January 2021.

The nine total state grants will help improve landslide hazard maps, strengthen early warning systems, and enhance community resilience to landslides. The Washington funds will be used by the Washington Geological Survey to survey potential landslide hazards in Clark County.

"Climate change is making landslides more frequent and severe, putting communities at greater risk," said DelBene. "This federal investment, made possible from legislation I championed in the wake of the 2014 Oso landslide, will strengthen our ability to prepare for and respond to these hazards. By supporting research and preparedness efforts, these grants will help protect lives and property, ensuring our communities are better equipped to handle these challenges."

"Landslides are dangerous, destroy infrastructure, and cut off access for emergency services and transportation. Southwest Washington has recently experienced several landslides which can be devastating for small businesses, impact entire communities, and take all hands on deck to overcome," said Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). "With federal funds from the National Landslide Preparedness Act on their way to Clark County, we'll be able to better prepare for these disasters and identify landslide-prone areas before it's too late. I'll keep working with my colleagues to ensure our House-passed provisions to reauthorize this vital program are signed into law to support more projects like this one."

"Landslides are one of the most common and devastating natural hazards in Washington. Mapping existing landslide hazards and understanding where future landslide dangers are present is foundational for informed decision making by planners, local officials, and emergency managers," said Washington State Geologist and Director of the Washington Geological Survey Casey Hanell. "The Washington Geological Survey is grateful to receive grant funding from the newly established Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program authorized by the National Landslide Preparedness Act. The program furthers partnerships among those working to mitigate harm from landslide hazards, allowing for efficient use of funds and the ability to accomplish more working together across all levels of government."

DelBene's National Landslide Preparedness Act authorized two grant programs designed to improve preparedness and mitigation efforts. This funding represents the first round of grants from the Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program.

The National Landslide Preparedness Act is set to expire at the end of September 2024. DelBene is leading efforts to reauthorize the law through 2028 to address the growing risks posed by landslides in vulnerable regions. The House passed the reauthorization bill in April 2024 and it is awaiting action in the Senate.