The Governor Gavin Newsom announced federal supports for more than $317 million in support for seven jurisdictions that continue to recover and rebuild after federally declared disasters in 2018, when wildfires burned more than 1.6 million acres and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, particularly in the Butte County town of Paradise.
The Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Block Grant (CDBG-DR) funds announced last Friday are for critical infrastructure projects that must be completed as communities work to build and rebuild needed housing, especially those for low- and moderate-income people, and ensure that every household that was displaced in these disasters has the opportunity to return home.
"California remains committed to encouraging and supporting all communities affected by the devastating wildfires as they work to rebuild," said Governor Newsom.
He added that, rebuilding after communities are tragically destroyed due to extreme weather "is an opportunity to restore economic opportunities and strengthen communities by giving them a chance to heal."
In August 2018, the Carr Fire and Mendocino Complex Fire broke out in Northern California, followed in November 2018 by Camp and Woolsey Fires. These were the most destructive and deadly to hit California that year. In total, more than 1.6 million acres burned during 2018.
"We are inspired by residents coming together and working in partnership with the state to rebuild their lives, restore economic opportunities and create a more resilient future," noted Lourdes Castro Ramirez, secretary of the Bureau of Housing, Consumer and Business Services.
"These dollars represent an important milestone for communities that endured unimaginable tragedy due to these devastating wildfires. We will continue to work closely with our federal partners in the Biden Administration to bring resources to communities more quickly and equitably when disasters strike," he stressed.
The California government detailed in a statement that communities received funding based on their unmet infrastructure needs and have the flexibility to use the grants to support projects based on their priorities to rebuild in a safe, sustainable and resilient manner.
Thus, the Town of Paradise received nearly $200 million, which will be used to build critical projects that will accelerate its ability to rebuild higher density and more affordable housing, commercial corridors and critical evacuation routes should they face future disasters.
"Rebuilding together is the foundation of the ongoing recovery effort in Town of Paradise," said Gustavo Velasquez, director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. "This nearly $200 million award will support critical infrastructure for the town as it rebuilds with resiliency and climate mitigation at the core of its goals. We remain committed to supporting Paradise residents as they recover and rebuild."
CDBG-DR funds are administered by HCD after receiving the federal allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Among the awards announced Friday are: Butte County for $72 million 72 thousand 679.61; City of Chico for $12 million 388 thousand 409.65; City of Malibu for $47 thousand 276.93; City of Redding for $22 million 563 thousand 043.51; City of Shasta Lake for $326 thousand 184.69; Los Angeles County for $3 million 788 thousand 157.86; and Pueblo of Paradise for $199 million 592 thousand 735.75. These amounts total US$317,428,488.00.
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