This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

SLC sets up relief fund for Japanese Sister City

To help cement a 50-year bond, and to partially repay a gesture of financial kindness following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Salt Lake City officials have set up a relief fund for its sister city of Matsumoto, Japan.

Though Matsumoto was not in the direct earthquake zone or the line of the tsunami, the city is monitoring radiation levels emitted from the damaged nuclear facilities 200 miles away in Fukushima.

Every cent of the money raised will go directly to Matsumoto, whose officials can determine how it should best be spent.

Former City Councilman Dave Buhler called on City Hall for support Tuesday, recalling when Matsumoto's mayor in October 2001 presented him with a check for $36,530 — raised by ordinary citizens — to be given to New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for the Sept. 11 victims.

Mayor Ralph Becker and the council pledged to make the first donations to the Matsumoto Sister Cities Relief Fund. Residents and businesses are encouraged to follow. Contributions can be made in person at any Wells Fargo location. For more information on how to donate, go to slcgov.com.

Derek P. Jensen