The Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the White House has approved California's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to further support California Statewide emergency response and recovery efforts from severe storm impacts.
"This declaration brings more vital resources as we continue to work together with local, state and federal partners to support communities that have been upended by these storms," Newsom said.
“First responders and state personnel are on the ground in the hardest-hit regions of California to assist in the ongoing response and recovery. We are committed to supporting our communities for the long term and we thank the Biden Administration for their continued partnership."
The Presidential Major Disaster Declaration will help Californians in impacted counties through eligibility for various programs and supports that may include housing assistance, food assistance, counseling, and medical and legal services.
It will also make federal funds available to affected people in Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne counties, while including public assistance to help state, tribal and local governments with the response. ongoing emergency and recovery costs, and risk mitigation.
The state government said additional counties may be added as more damage assessments are conducted, particularly in areas where record snowpack makes it difficult to accurately assess the full extent of the damage.
The Chairman Joseph Biden previously issued a Presidential Emergency Declaration authorizing federal assistance to support storm response and recovery efforts.
For his part, Governor Newsom has proclaimed a state of storm emergency for 47 counties since the severe storms began in late February, and last week issued an executive order to support flood response and recovery in communities across the Tulare Lake Basin.
The Major Disaster Declaration will allow for continued state response and recovery efforts to support communities throughout California, including the deployment of the California National Guard and other state personnel to conduct life-saving rescue missions; the mobilization of food, water, sandbags, cots and other basic products to areas in need; and provide equipment and personnel to assist in strengthening levees, clearing debris and snow from roads, medical support at shelters, and staff support for local assistance centers.
Additionally, and in support of undocumented workers and communities ineligible for individual assistance from FEMA due to their immigration status, the California Department of Social Services is mobilizing existing funds from the state's Rapid Response Fund to provide disaster recovery services to immigrant Californians experiencing the ongoing impacts of recent flooding and weather events.
These efforts also include ensuring mixed-status families access federal and state resources for which they may be eligible. In some cases, a household may be eligible for federal and state resources if a member of their household has qualified immigration status, this would include a family with a US citizen child.
Residents and business owners who suffered 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.
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