The West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission (WTSSC) has been tasked to initiate, with the assistance of state, federal, and local government agencies, a comprehensive program to prepare the state for responding to a major earthquake. The Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis is authorized to and directed to provide any information or services requested by the Commission to achieve its goals. This commission was created in 2006 by the Tennessee General Assembly. The Office of Government Relations provides administrative support for the WTSSC, while pursuing adequate funding from the state budget.