Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken further steps to aid in the recovery efforts following the early February storms that wreaked havoc across California. The Governor has expanded the storm state of emergency to encompass 11 additional counties, including Alameda, Butte, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, and Sutter. In a recent announcement, Governor Newsom also made a request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to assist communities that were severely affected by flooding, mudslides, and debris flows during the storms.

The request for the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration specifically targets counties such as Butte, Glenn, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Sutter, and Ventura. If approved, this declaration would unlock federal public assistance funding to support state, tribal, and local governments in covering the costs of emergency response and recovery. Additionally, the funding would also support hazard mitigation efforts statewide.

In support of these initiatives, Governor Newsom has directed Caltrans to seek immediate federal assistance for highway repairs or reconstruction, among other provisions outlined in the emergency proclamation. The Governor's request for the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and emergency proclamation documents can be accessed through the provided links.

The measures undertaken by Governor Newsom aim to provide crucial support to the communities grappling with the aftermath of the destructive storms that hit California earlier this year. The expansion of the storm state of emergency and the request for federal assistance underscore the commitment to assisting those affected by the natural disasters.

As the state continues its recovery efforts, the collaboration between state, federal, and local agencies remains essential in ensuring that impacted communities receive the necessary resources to rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of the early February storms.