Biden approves another disaster declaration for California, unlocking more federal aid

President Joe Biden has authorized one other catastrophe declaration in California, unlocking federal funding for these affected by the extreme winter storms, flooding and landslides which have rocked the state since mid-February.

Since February 21, states of emergency have been declared in 47 counties — greater than 80% of the state.

“Many have misplaced a lot, and have to be supported to get well from this excessive hardship,” tweeted Luis Alejo, the Chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. “We’re relieved that assistance is on its method!”

With this declaration, these affected by the storms in Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties will now be eligible for added companies, together with housing help, meals support, counseling, medical help, and authorized companies. It additionally will bolster help for state, tribal and native governments coping with emergency response and restoration prices, and supply low-cost loans as communities rebuild from the repeated disasters.

Biden’s declaration follows a request despatched by Gov. Gavin Newsom late final month, which urged the federal authorities to ramp up help for California within the midst of continued storms.

The state, Newsom stated, had been saturated with “trillions of gallons of water” in latest weeks. Two areas had been struck by a twister, whereas many extra had been hit with floods. Communities throughout the state have obtained record-levels of snowfall, with some areas — like Massive Bear and Lake Arrowhead — receiving 64 inches of snow inside 48 hours. And in Pajaro, an almost 75-year-old levee crumbled, pushing a whole bunch into shelters till it was protected sufficient to go residence.

That is the second catastrophe declaration to be declared in California for the reason that starting of this yr, with the primary coming after the extreme winter storms, landslides and flooding starting on December 27, 2022. In mid-March, the Biden Administration issued a presidential emergency declaration — a kind of federal help that’s extra restricted in scope than a catastrophe declaration, and usually, with out long-term federal restoration packages.

“This declaration brings in additional important assets as we proceed to work in lockstep with native, state and federal companions to help communities which have been turned the other way up by these storms,” stated Newsom in a press launch issued Monday night.