House passes bill to authorize tsunami forecasting programs

The House on Monday passed a bill to authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tsunami forecasting programs through 2017.

Passed by voice vote, the measure would authorize $27 million annually through fiscal 2017 to support the NOAA’s tsunami detection and preparedness programs.

{mosads}”So much of our ability to prepare, respond and recover from a tsunami will depend on the awareness, planning and mobilization at the local level,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), the bill’s sponsor.

Bonamici said the measure would help protect coastline communities from potential tsunami damage.

“The coastlines of the United States already play an integral role in the economic prosperity of this country and we must strengthen their preparedness and resiliency so they can continue to play that role going forward,” Bonamici said.

The measure would also require the Tsunami Forecasting and Warning Program administrator to monitor data from earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions that can cause tsunamis as well as distribute forecasts to the public and government officials at all levels.