USGS will publish earthquake hazards map so NMI can receive federal mitigation funds

Without a U.S. Geological Survey earthquake hazards map covering the Northern Mariana Islands, we are not eligible to apply for federal funds under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs.  That’s why I raised the issue on Tuesday during the hearing on H.R. 3479, the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act.  I got a commitment from USGS that the maps would be available early in 2012.  The NMI is the only U.S. jurisdiction that does not have a seismic hazards map. H.R. 3479 reauthorizes several Federal natural hazards reduction programs such as the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).  In the Mariana Islands region, earthquakes have been prevalent including this year’s violent 8.9 magnitude in Japan, and the 1993 earthquake in Guam that measured 7.8 magnitude, costing millions in damages.