Petra,

$400M seems high. Seismic research is not just for prediction, but also for basic understanding of earthquake physics and to see the structure of the Earth. Much of seismic research has been for the purpose of enforcing nuclear test ban treaties, which unfortunately are violated by the current administration. The price tags for knowledge in other fields like planetary science are even higher.

Also, $400M does not go very far in retrofitting. I'd should check to be sure, but I think the LA and SF city halls cost roughly that much to retrofit just by themselves. Not to mention the unimaginable costs of retrofitting the less developed countries.

John