Yesterday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that Clark County will receive $299,250 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 Rep. DelBene’s National Landslide Preparedness Act, which was signed into law in January 2021 and expires at the end of September 2024. In April, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez helped pass a provision in the House to reauthorize the law through 2028, which is awaiting action in the Senate.

The funding will be used by the Washington Geological Survey to survey potential landslide hazards in a 250-square-mile area of Clark County, which will support planning, mitigation, and emergency preparedness.

“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 Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “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.”

“Climate change is making landslides more frequent and severe, putting communities at greater risk,” said Rep. 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 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 Casey Hanell, Washington State Geologist and Director of the Washington Geological Survey. “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.”
The 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.