Skip to main content

THOMPSON CALLS ON PRESIDENT TO PROVIDE FEDERAL DISASTER AID TO AREAS IMPACTED BY EARTHQUAKE

September 3, 2014

NAPA, C.A. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) today called on President Obama to issue a major disaster declaration for the areas impacted by the August 24th earthquake. The letter to the president, led by Thompson was also signed by Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), and Congressmen Jared Huffman (CA-1) and John Garamendi (CA-3). A major disaster declaration, which was formally requested by the State of California, would provide federal assistance to the communities that were damaged by the earthquake. The president must approve the state's request.

"The earthquake hit our communities hard and federal assistance is needed for our area to fully recover from the damage that was caused," said Thompson. "I stand ready to help expedite any support and resources because the sooner we get aid from the federal government, the sooner we can begin rebuilding and repairing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure."

If federal assistance is approved by the president, funds from Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA may be available for individuals to help rebuild and repair housing, and for local communities to repair public infrastructure.

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans may be available to businesses to 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.

The state and our local governments have conducted damage assessments and have determined that the extent of the damages are beyond their capacity to repair without federal assistance. Because of this determination the state has formally requested that the president issue a major disaster declaration. The president must approve the state's request for federal assistance to become available.

FEMA does not provide for assistance if there is another option in place, like insurance. All individuals should contact their insurance companies first to see what benefits, if any, their plan provides.

A full copy of the letter to President Obama is below.

August 29, 2014

The President

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you in strong support of the State of California's request for a major disaster declaration to provide much-needed assistance to our State for damages resulting from the August 24, 2014, earthquake.

On August 24th, at 3:20 a.m., an earthquake measuring 6.1 struck 3.7 miles northwest of American Canyon near the West Napa Fault. As you know, this was the strongest quake to strike the region since 1989. As a result, there has been significant damage to homes, businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure throughout our communities. Governor Edmund G. Brown promptly declared a State of Emergency, noting the impact in Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties. It is clear to us and local authorities that a major disaster declaration is critical to helping our State recover and rebuild.

Therefore, we strongly support the State of California's request for a major disaster declaration. We appreciate your consideration of this request and we are ready to assist you in expediting support and resources to the impacted communities.

Sincerely,