Rep. Schiff Leads LA County Delegation Letter to Biden Administration Urging Approval of California’s Major Disaster Declaration for February Storms
Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led 10 members of the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation in a letter of support for Governor Newsom’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Los Angeles County following early February storms.
In early February, California was hit by a series of severe storms that brought unprecedented rainfall and strong winds across southern California. These storms caused widespread flooding, mudslides, and infrastructure damage, many of which are still being dealt with throughout Los Angeles County. The sheer volume of rainwater overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to significant flooding, necessitating federal assistance.
“The impact of February’s atmospheric river storm was enormous state-wide. Los Angeles County experienced particularly significant damage in the wake of the storm’s catastrophic rainfall, flash flooding, hundreds of landslides and mudslides, and widespread power outages throughout the county. In a span of only two days, downtown Los Angeles saw over 7 inches of rain, making February 5th and 6th the wettest days on record in nearly 75 years and leading to forced evacuations in the Hollywood Hills, Studio City, and other parts of Los Angeles County,” said the Delegation.
“It is imperative that the federal government provide immediate assistance to the Angeleno families, homeowners, and businesses that have been directly impacted by the February atmospheric river storm. As Members representing districts throughout Los Angeles County, we strongly urge your administration to approve the State of California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Los Angeles County as quickly as possible,” added the Delegation.
In addition to Schiff, the letter was signed by Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.).
The full letter text can be found here and below:
Dear President Biden:
As Members of the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation, we write to express strong support and urge expeditious approval for the State of California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration (MDD) for Los Angeles County sent on March 22, 2024, regarding the early February 2024 Winter Storm event.
The impact of February’s atmospheric river storm was enormous state-wide. Los Angeles County experienced particularly significant damage in the wake of the storm’s catastrophic rainfall, flash flooding, hundreds of landslides and mudslides, and widespread power outages throughout the county. In a span of only two days, downtown Los Angeles saw over 7 inches of rain, making February 5th and 6th the wettest days on record in nearly 75 years and leading to forced evacuations in the Hollywood Hills, Studio City, and other parts of Los Angeles County.
The impact of the February atmospheric river storm led to extensive damage to homes, roadways, and public infrastructure throughout Los Angeles County, including the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP). The extensive damage to HWRP – the largest sewage treatment plant by volume west of the Mississippi River – poses a threat to public health and safety if the necessary resources are not provided to make necessary repairs.
It is imperative that the federal government provide immediate assistance to the Angeleno families, homeowners, and businesses that have been directly impacted by the February atmospheric river storm. As Members representing districts throughout Los Angeles County, we strongly urge your administration to approve the State of California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Los Angeles County as quickly as possible.
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