Help from the US authorities to dispose of debris

July 17, 2012

NOAA offers grants for tsunami debris disposal

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120717_22.html

US federal authorities have decided to offer 250,000 dollars to 5 West Coast states to help them dispose of debris from last year's tsunami in northeastern Japan.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said on Monday that the 5 states, including Oregon and Alaska, will each receive up to 50,000 dollars in grants.

The March 11th tsunami sent tons of debris adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Some has washed up on US shores, including a huge floating dock found in Oregon in June.

Oregon is seeking more federal aid, saying the dock alone will cost nearly 100,000 dollars to dispose of.

Funding will likely remain a problem, as more tsunami debris is expected to reach the US coast over the next several years.