California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested $40 billion (£31.6b) in federal funds to support the reconstruction of areas in Los Angeles affected by fires in January. The Governor made this request through a letter to congressional leaders on Friday, indicating that the funds will be utilized for both immediate and long-term recovery efforts. In his social media post, Newsom emphasized his position, stating, “I’m asking Congress to stand by the American people and provide disaster funding to assist Californians in recovering and rebuilding as quickly as possible.”
These fires, which began on January 7, swept through 37,469 acres and claimed at least 26 lives in the greater Los Angeles area. The proposed funding would encompass areas such as workforce recovery, tax incentives, resilience against wildfires, and the redevelopment of private properties, with 42% allocated for public assistance in debris removal and repair works. Newsom elaborated in his letter, noting the extensive devastation within the affected communities and estimating the significant economic impact on California that could take years to assess.
Approximately 150,000 residents have been uprooted since the fires broke out in early January, with significant parts of the Los Angeles communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena succumbing to the flames. This request for federal aid has garnered support from certain lawmakers representing the area. Congresswoman Judy Chu, a Democrat, expressed that the proposed package would deliver a much-needed boost of federal support for rebuilding homes, businesses, and community infrastructures. This, she believed, would aid the healing process for individuals mourning the loss of loved ones, homes, and cherished belongings.
The reception of this request in Congress, where both chambers are narrowly controlled by Republicans, remains uncertain. In the past, President Trump had suggested that federal assistance should not be provided to California until it redirected its water supply to regions further south. After visiting the affected Palisades area, Trump described the devastation as ‘infl device.’ However, he acknowledged the severity of the situation, implying that the extent and magnitude of the damage could only be fully grasped upon personal observation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8mdrvnmkno
