![Seismogram being recorded by a seismograph at the Weston Observatory in Massachusetts, USA.. Photo by Z22 [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.](https://i0.wp.com/mynewsla.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/16-9-Seismogram-earthquake-quake.jpg?ssl=1)
UC Berkeley, Oregon University and the University of Washington also will share the grant to bring the “ShakeAlert” system to the production stage.
The system, which the USGS started funding in 2006, currently issues real-time alerts during earthquakes to 70 test users across the West Coast, including utilities, transportation centers, government offices and industry.
The four universities will work with the USGS to develop algorithms to detect potentially damaging earthquakes, and to upgrade or construct about 150 seismic sensors.
A ShakeAlert warning issued before the magnitude-6.0 South Napa earthquake in August 2014 provided a nine-second warning to San Francisco, according to the USGS. Experts say those few seconds can be enough to stop commuter trains and elevators, open firehouse doors or pause delicate surgeries.
The money comes from $5 million approved by Congress earlier this year. The other $1 million was spent on new sensor equipment for the system.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, who helped secure the federal funds, estimates that a full system for the West Coast will cost about $38.2 million to build, with annual operating costs of $16.1 million.
“The federal government cannot, and will not, fund this system alone” Schiff said Thursday. “It’s time for our West Coast state governments and local partners to do their part with matching funds for this invaluable system.”
—City News Service