Paul Cook: “I rise in support of H.R. 1184, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. In addition to authorizing funding…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1184, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. In addition to authorizing funding for basic earthquake programs, H.R. 1184 provides 5-year authorizations for a new program--the Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System. H.R. 1184 authorizes USGS to spend $170.8 million over the next 5 years to modernize the current antiquated system. The Utah Geological Survey estimates that my district, Salt Lake County, Utah is due for a magnitude 7 earthquake. The UGS estimates that a major quake of this magnitude could kill up to 7,600 people, injure 44,000 more and cause nearly $20 billion in damages. With this new monitoring system we could send out early warning of impending earthquakes that utilities could use to shut off valves, and schools to rush our children to safety. There also is additional money for the University of Utah to continue their earthquake research on the Wasatch Front. The Wasatch Front is the newest range in the Rocky Mountains and it is getting bigger. It was created by earthquakes and it will continue to grow with the help of earthquakes. Earthquakes occur regularly in my district and we need to be prepared for them. 80% of Utah's population resides on top of active earthquake faults. The University of Utah is one of our nation's leading earthquake research centers. This money will also be used to collect information needed to deploy resources after an earthquake.”