CA storm update: Officials shift focus to recovery as they await much-needed federal funds
SACRAMENTO (KGO) -- California state officials provided an update on the state's recovery efforts for impacted communities after a series of significant storms in February and March.
Speakers were from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Social Services listed the state's efforts on storm recovery after over a dozen atmospheric rivers since January have caused flooding, damage and displacement to many California residents.
RELATED: Storm-impacted CA communities could receive long-awaited FEMA help
Officials said they are collaborating with federal and local agencies to provide services, including individual and public assistance, debris removal, hazard mitigation, shelter and food assistance.
"To date, the state has directed more than $60 million in direct response and recovery support to these communities, including the deployment of the California National Guard to do life-saving rescue missions, our colleagues at CalFire the California Highway Patrol. We've mobilized food, water, sandbags, cots, blankets, comfort kits, commodities and have moved thousands and thousands of pounds of snow and rain off the roadways. (We've also) fixed roadways in rapid succession and work to support our social safety net programs," said Brian Ferguson, deputy director of crisis communication at Cal OES.
RELATED: CA needs more attention from federal government amid severe storm damage, Lt. Gov. says
Officials also announced that Gov. Gavin Newsom submitted a request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from the Biden administration to receive more resources for impacted communities.
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