Napa Valley Register - Boxer, Thompson and Techel tour Napa earthquake damage

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer on Saturday toured the damage from last month's 6.0-magnitude earthquake as Napa officials asked residents to submit photos of the damage for a pictorial as they continue to seek federal aid for individuals and businesses.

"This is a critical week to make the case," the Democratic senator said at a press conference at Napa City Hall on Saturday after a tour of the damaged homes and landmarks, including the Old Courthouse and the U.S. Post Office. "I think we'll make the case."

"There is always caution in Washington," Boxer said. "We feel that the damage that we have seen qualifies for this assistance. We don't think there is even a question. But if there are questions, we want them answered."

Napa County estimated total losses at $442 million. President Obama has declared Napa County a federal disaster, making the city and the county eligible for financial programs to repair public infrastructure and other losses. However, local officials continue to seek help for individuals and businesses.

On Saturday, Boxer and Thompson asked for more stories to bolster Napa's case for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We know FEMA is reviewing the request. We also believe that we need to gather as much data as we can and focus on the private losses, tell the stories, show the pictures, make the case, put out the numbers."

Thompson told reporters that a lot of people in Napa need the federal government's help. "I want more pictures. I want to be able to make the case," Thompson said after the hearing. "I think it's incredibly important that we make the best case possible."

Mayor Jill Techel, who toured downtown with Boxer and Thompson, praised the representatives.

"When you're a mayor and there is a disaster and you know that you have support from Washington, it makes getting through it so much easier," she said.

So far, no word on when FEMA will rule on whether or not federal aid will be extended so that private individuals and businesses can seek grants and low-interest loans. Napa County Supervisor Keith Caldwell, who also attended the briefing with Boxer, said a decision may be made either late next week or the following week.

That leaves only a few days for the city to collect photos of the local damage. "I think we have a couple of days to really make our story be told," Caldwell said.