On January 12th, the entire California Congressional
Delegation
wrote in bipartisan support of the State of California’s
request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in response
to the recent winter storms, flooding, and mudslides. A major
disaster declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland
Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to
coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to identify, mobilize,
and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary
to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.
The White House approved California’s request for a Presidential
Major Disaster Declaration and federal funding is available to
affected individuals in the counties of Merced, Sacramento, Santa
Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. FEMA will
provide Individual Assistance to those impacted, including grants
for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover
uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals
and businesses recover from the storms.
President Biden is visiting California today to witness the
impact of the storm damages.
Damage assessments are still ongoing. Residents and business
owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin
applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
