The legislation includes $34.85 million for continued development and expansion of the ShakeAlert system, with language directing the U.S. Geological Survey to begin expanding the program into Nevada. The funding was included in HR 6938, a package of appropriations bills covering commerce, justice, science, energy and water development and interior and environment programs. The bill was signed by the president Jan. 23.
ShakeAlert is used in neighboring states to provide advance warnings of earthquakes, but Nevada has not been part of the system.
“While neighboring states already have the tools and technology to warn residents of potential earthquakes, Nevada has lagged behind,” Amodei, a Republican representing Elko County and others is House District 2, said in a statement. “This funding will equip our state’s experts with the resources they need to implement a proven system that keeps Nevadans safe and communities prepared for seismic activity.”
Since August, several earthquakes have rattled the Elko area, including a series of quakes in August and another in late December that were strong enough to be felt by nearby residents. All were around or near the tiny Elko County town of Midas, north of Battle Mountain and between Tuscarora and Paradise Valley.
Amodei, who announced his retirement last week, credited the University of Nevada for its role in advocating for the expansion of the system.
University of Nevada President Brian Sandoval thanked Amodei for securing the funding, calling it an important step toward improving earthquake emergency response infrastructure in the state.
Christie Rowe, director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, said the expansion would allow Nevada experts to work with the USGS to design a warning system tailored to the state.
“We will help the USGS develop a plan that fits Nevada’s people, industries and infrastructure to offer the best warning system possible,” Rowe said. “We are so grateful for the support from Nevada’s congressional delegation that resulted in this critical step toward earthquake early warning for Nevada.”
Robert de Groot, coordinator for communication, education, outreach and technical engagement for the ShakeAlert program, said the system was designed to expand beyond the West Coast.
“Development of a technical implementation plan would be the first step in a multi-step process for ShakeAlert rollout to parts of Nevada,” de Groot said, adding other high-risk regions could also be considered for future expansion.
ShakeAlert detects earthquakes by sensing fast-moving seismic waves near the source of a quake. Computer algorithms analyze signals from multiple seismic stations to confirm an earthquake and trigger alerts. In areas farther from the epicenter, alerts can be delivered to cell phones through Wireless Emergency Alerts before damaging waves arrive.
Those seconds of warning can allow people to drop, cover and hold on, while also giving transportation systems, utilities, emergency services, schools and health care facilities time to take protective actions before shaking begins.
© 2026 Elko Daily Free Press, Nev. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
