Nevada to Join ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System with Federal Funding
Nevada is set to be integrated into the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system following the signing of a federal spending bill. The legislation, which includes $34.85 million for the expansion of ShakeAlert, mandates the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to extend the system into Nevada. Previously, Nevada was not part of this system, which is already operational in neighboring states. The funding is part of HR 6938, a comprehensive package covering various sectors including commerce, justice, and science. U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei, who represents Elko County, highlighted the importance of this development, noting that Nevada has lagged behind in earthquake preparedness. The University of Nevada played a significant role in advocating for this expansion, with its president, Brian Sandoval, expressing gratitude for the funding. Christie Rowe, director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, emphasized the need for a warning system tailored to Nevada's unique needs. The ShakeAlert system works by detecting fast...