USGS awards $1 Million in grants for landslide risk reduction projects

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has awarded $1 million in federal grants to 12 state agencies to support landslide risk reduction and hazard mitigation projects across the country. These grants, authorized under the National Landslide Preparedness Act, mark a significant step in advancing the nation’s ability to identify at-risk areas and protect communities from landslides.

“Every year, landslides threaten lives, infrastructure and local economies,” said Stephen Slaughter, USGS landslide geologist, in a press release. “The grants will equip agencies with the critical resources necessary to enhance landslide mapping, improve public awareness and ensure hazard preparedness for if or when a landslide strikes. Through these efforts, we can increase public safety from landslides.”

These annual USGS landslide grants provide funding to state, local, Tribal and territorial governments to enhance scientific understanding of landslide risks, map and assess their locations, and implement effective mitigation strategies. This year’s recipients will undertake projects ranging from landslide inventory mapping to the development of public awareness materials. Notable projects include:

• North Dakota Geological Survey: Map active landslides to improve hazard identification and aid in decisions related to private and industrial infrastructure. 

• Indiana Geological and Water Survey: Map landslide-prone areas and enhance hazard assessments in south-central Indiana. 

• Virginia Department of Energy: Build a landslide inventory map of Grayson County, Virginia, including the damaging landslides caused by Hurricane Helene. 

• Washington Geological Survey: Analyze landslide activity before and after wildfires in the Cascade Range.

“Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of the people of North Dakota,” said Christopher Maike, North Dakota Geological Survey, in a press release. “And knowing where landslides have happened or may happen is essential for assessing where there’s genuine risk and then mitigating that hazard.”

The USGS received more than two dozen applications for fiscal year 2025 funding, demonstrating the value of federal support in mitigating landslide risks. This year’s awards build on the success of the inaugural 2024 grant cycle, which funded 10 projects across the country.

A full list of projects and details can be found on the USGS Landslide Hazard Program Grant website.