REP. THOMPSON, SEN. BOXER STATEMENTS ON APPROVAL OF PARTIAL FEDERAL DISASTER AID FOR EARTHQUAKE IMPACTED AREAS
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), today released the following statements on the White House's partial approval of the federal disaster assistance requested by the State of California for areas impacted by the August 24th earthquake:
"The approval of these federal disaster funds is an important step in our recovery. They will help our cities and towns repair the damage that was caused by the earthquake," said Thompson. "However, these funds do not help individuals in our community who are still struggling to get back on their feet. This is the worst earthquake the Bay Area has seen in 25 years. Many families have significant damage to their homes and personal property. Our government cannot turn their backs on them in their time of need. I urge the White House to take the next important step and approve federal disaster assistance for individual families as requested by the State of California."
Senator Boxer said, "I thank the President for his swift response in approving a major disaster declaration for California, which will help our communities rebuild after this devastating earthquake. It is critical that the Administration move quickly to approve Individual Assistance to help families affected by the quake get back on their feet."
The Obama Administration today approved Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster funds for Public Assistance (PA). This is funding for local communities to use to repair critical public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, water infrastructure, power generation facilities, sewage collection facilities, and drainage channels. The federal government covers 75 percent of the costs, and the state and locals governments split the remaining 25 percent.
Hazard mitigation was also approved. This is funding for local communities to repair facilities in a way that will help make sure they are better able to withstand future earthquakes.
The Obama Administration did not yet approve or deny Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster funds for Individual Assistance (IA). This is funding for individual families to help rebuild and repair housing. FEMA is still reviewing the state's request for IA and a decision on IA funds will be made by the Obama Administration at a later date.
Local assessments show the earthquake caused $55 million in public damage and $362 million in private damage.
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans may be announced at a later date. These loans are available to help businesses repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies. Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages to homes or personal property.
On Sunday, August 24th, a magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck the Napa, Solano and Sonoma County area at approximately 3:20 a.m. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was three miles from American Canyon, six miles from Napa, and eight miles from Sonoma.
The earthquake was the largest to hit the Bay Area in 25 years. Governor Brown has declared a State of Emergency and requested federal assistance. Thompson led a letter to the President urging him to approve the state's request.
Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.
# # #