Rep. Bonamici, Gov. Kitzhaber Praise Tsunami Bill’s Protections for Oregon Coast

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici’s Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act. Congresswoman Bonamici and Governor John Kitzhaber heralded the bill’s passage as a victory for Oregon’s coastal communities living under the constant threat of a tsunami.

“The effects of a tsunami can be devastating for coastal communities that rely on the ocean to support their local economy – from fishing to trade to tourism,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “Earlier detection and warning can save lives. This legislation includes improvements to forecasting, better research, and preparedness measures to help communities respond and recover faster if a tsunami hits our shore. The bill also improves coordination between agencies and supports community-based mitigation programs to help regions especially vulnerable to a tsunami.”

“I commend Congresswoman Bonamici for championing the Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2014,” Governor Kitzhaber said. “This bill takes important steps to modernize NOAA's Tsunami Warning System to help America, and Oregon's coastal communities, prepare and respond to potentially devastating tsunamis. I appreciate Congresswoman Bonamici's leadership and thank the House of Representatives for passing this bill. I urge its expeditious movement through Congress.”

The legislation, which passed the House unanimously, includes several new provisions based on input from stakeholders up and down the West Coast.

“We want to be prepared when disaster strikes and this legislation will help ensure that Oregon’s coastal communities are prepared to recover and rebound,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “The devastation from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami near Japan, which killed thousands and caused billions of dollars in damage, shows just how serious this threat is. I’m proud to have worked with a bipartisan coalition to introduce and pass legislation to help Oregon and coastal communities around the country better predict a tsunami and develop a plan to overcome the potential devastation.”

Watch Rep. Bonamici’s comments here: https://bit.ly/1qALWep