Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today cheered the decision by the U.S. Geological Survey to award $4.9 million in grants to six university and nonprofit programs focused on expanding and developing the “ShakeAlert” earthquake early-warning system.

Among the recipients are the California Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley. Senator Feinstein has made increasing federal resources for earthquake risk mitigation programs a longstanding priority. She released the following statement:

“When it comes to a catastrophic earthquake, it’s not a matter of if it will occur, it’s a matter of when. Recognizing this threat, I believe it’s vital we do all that we can to prepare. Early-warning systems give those in danger vital time to take protective action.

“The agreement announced today creates a partnership between Cal Tech, UC Berkeley and the U.S. Geological Survey to implement the ShakeAlert technology. I’m also working to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, which would complement this partnership by providing important federal assistance to state and local governments in order to reduce the overall risk of fatalities, damage and economic loss due to earthquakes.

“We learned in the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 that seconds can mean the difference between life and death. That’s exactly what an early-warning system helps provide.”

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