Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Act of 675

The purpose of this Act is to:

• Foster collaboration among Kodiak’s colleges and universities to research earthquake activity, safety, and building resilience.
• Provide grants to institutions of higher education to support research into earthquake causes, safety manuals, and new building codes.
• Enable higher education institutions to draft building codes designed to enhance earthquake resilience, subject to Assembly approval.

Article 1 – Establishment of the Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Program

1.1 The Ministry of Health and Education shall establish the Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Program (ERSGP) to:

• Distribute financial grants to colleges and universities for earthquake-related research and safety initiatives.
• Support the creation of safety manuals and public education materials related to earthquake preparedness.
• Fund the development of earthquake-resilient building codes and related infrastructure studies.

1.2 Institutions of higher education must submit proposals detailing the scope, goals, and collaboration plans for research projects to be eligible for grants.

Article 2 – Research Collaboration Requirements

2.1 Eligible colleges and universities can form a Collaborative Research Consortium (CRC) with other universities to:

• Pool resources and expertise across institutions.
• Share data, research findings, and infrastructure for earthquake-related studies.
• Develop comprehensive earthquake safety and resilience manuals for public distribution.

2.2 Each consortium must include at least three colleges or universities to ensure cross-disciplinary collaboration. Limited to 4 consortiums.

2.3 Consortia shall focus on:

• Identifying geological and environmental factors contributing to earthquake activity within Kodiak.
• Developing predictive models and mitigation strategies.
• Enhancing public understanding of earthquake risks and safety measures.

Article 3 – Authority to Propose New Building Codes

3.1 Consortia formed under this program shall have the authority to draft new building codes aimed at improving earthquake resilience in infrastructure and housing.

3.2 Proposed building codes must:

3.2.1. Be supported by research and evidence.

3.2.2. Be submitted to the local governments for debate, approval, and potential enactment.

3.3 The Ministry of Health and Education shall provide technical guidance and support to ensure the feasibility of proposed building codes.

Article 4 – Reporting and Accountability

4.1 Recipients of ERSGP grants shall submit quarterly reports to the Ministry of Health and Education detailing:

• Progress on research projects.
• Outcomes and findings.
• Financial accountability for grant expenditures.

4.2 The Ministry of Health and Education shall compile an per quarter report summarizing grant program achievements and submit it to the General Assembly.

Article 5 – Public Awareness and Education

5.1 The Ministry of Education and Research, in collaboration with grant recipients, shall:

• Develop public education campaigns to raise awareness of earthquake risks and safety measures.
• Distribute earthquake safety manuals to communities across Kodiak.
• Host public seminars and workshops on earthquake preparedness.

Article 6 – Funding and Implementation

6.1 The Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Program shall be funded through the national budget, with initial appropriations set at 20 million Florins quarterly. 5 million per consortium per quarter.

6.2 The Ministry of Health and Education shall oversee the implementation and administration of this Act.

Written by Malia Mackenzie Marshall (CAP) with help from Andrew Williams (KSDP)