Utah’s natural beauty and thriving communities coexist with the ever-present potential for seismic activity. The 2024 Utah Seismic Safety Commission Report and Recommendations is a forward-looking document, offering valuable guidance to the Utah Legislature. This report is a positive step toward securing the state’s future resilience in the face of seismic challenges.
2024 Key Recommendations for the Utah Legislature:
- Keep Water Flowing – Invest an additional $125 million in seismic improvements for the four major water aqueducts that serve more than two million residents.
- Keep Our Kids Safe – Allocate $4 million to the applicable school districts to evaluate or design retrofits or replacements for each of the 130+ school campuses that likely contain seismically unsound unreinforced masonry construction.
- Keep Our Communities and Markets Informed – Fund $300,000 per year for two years to increase public awareness of the high risk from Utah’s 140,000 unreinforced masonry buildings.
- Keep Our Buildings Standing – Ensure adequate building code enforcement for important or large buildings.
- Keep Utah Ready to Respond – Pursue an earthquake early warning system for the Wasatch Front.
The 2024 Utah Seismic Safety Commission Report and Recommendations presents proposals tailored to the unique challenges faced by the state. By focusing on these improvements, Utah is positioning itself to navigate future uncertainties with resilience and confidence, promoting the safety of its residents and infrastructure.
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About the Utah Seismic Safety Commission
The 15-member volunteer Utah Seismic Safety Commission (USSC) and its staff functions for state and local governments, the private sector, and the public to advance earthquake-related issues by researching, developing, and recommending seismic policies, approaches, and outreach aimed at reducing Utah’s earthquake hazards and managing Utah’s earthquake risk. Learn More