Supporting Alaska Public Safety
Strengthening Alaska Volcano Observatory’s Work: With activity from the “Ring of Fire” a regular occurrence, Alaskans rely on the Alaska Volcano Observatory’s ability to detect threats to life, health and the state’s economy. Senator Murkowski included language in today’s bill that will increase the United States Geographical Survey Volcano Hazards program by an additional $2 million to assist the Survey in repairing and upgrading current monitoring systems. Several of the current seismic monitors are inoperable and maintenance is needed to continue rapid detection of these volcano threats.
Alaska Mapping Gets a Boost: Accurate, up-to-date topographic maps are necessary for aviation safety, energy development and resource assessments. Much of the state’s topographic maps are more than a half-century old. The bill includes $3.050 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Mapping Initiative, which will be used to acquire data needed to provide accurate, current and publicly accessible statewide topographic maps.
Improving Alaska’s National Parks
Katmai National Park, Brooks Lodge: With $4.4 million being provided to upgrade the current bridge to Brooks Falls to provide better public access and avoid human-bear interactions, Senator Murkowski included language directing the National Park Service to discontinue considering the use of funds to relocate the Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park based on an outdated land use plan. This historic lodge is enjoyed by many Alaskans and tourists from around the world for the unique opportunity of observing bears up close in the wild.
