Japan Gives $5M to US for Tsunami Debris Removal

SEATTLE (AP) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says Japan has provided $5 million to help pay for removing and disposing debris from the March 2011 tsunami.

NOAA says it plans to give $250,000 each initially to the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii. NOAA's Marine Debris Program will hold the rest in reserve as needs arise.

Japan also gave Canada $1 million to help clean up debris on the West Coast.