County Requests State and Federal Disaster Assistance

The County of Santa Cruz has formally requested assistance from the State of California and the federal government through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) on behalf of the region to assist with losses and emergency re pairs as a result of damages cause by the atmospheric winter storms which began on December 30, 2022.

A local emergency was declared and ratified by the Board of Supervisors on January 10. Initial damage estimates across all jurisdictions exceed $55 million and are expected to rise significantly as damage from coastal and river flooding, landslides, debris flows, road washouts and road collapses are better able to be assessed. Damage estimates do not include certain costs related to disaster response, including costs for 24-hour emergency staff, shelter operations and more.

The request is on behalf of the entire County includes cities and special districts. Such requests establish eligibility for financial assistance from State and federal sources. A State Disaster Declaration, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration and CDAA reimbursement are critical to provide for the continued operation s of the County of Santa Cruz and local jurisdictions, including the maintenance of community services at current levels, and to provide ongoing aid and support during the recovery process.

The County of Santa Cruz still has outstanding claims of nearly $70 million in unreimbursed FEMA costs due to the CZU Complex Fires and COVID-19 pandemic and continues working with federal partners to finalize reimbursement.

Photo Credit: Zach Friend