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California leaders are seeking funding from the Congress and White House for the State’s wildfire relief and recovery efforts. The State suffered multiple wildfires that killed 43 people and destroyed around 8,900 homes and other structures. According to the California Department of insurance, the insured losses from the wildfires were over $3 billion, up from the $1.04 billion preliminary estimate. On Friday, Governor Jerry Brown together with the members of California congressional delegation asked $7.4 billion funding from the federal government. In a letter to the White House, the California leaders urged the President and Congress to approve a third supplemental disaster-related appropriations bill. California needs the money for recovery and assistance programs, agriculture and environmental protection, cleanup, and housing support. The State also needs funding for local health services, small businesses, and long-term recovery planning and reconstruction. During the wildfires last month, Gov. Brown declared a state of emergency for the counties of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Nevada and Orange.

FEMA offering individual assistance to California wildfire survivors

Last month, President Donald Trump immediately approved the governor’s request for Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided federal disaster assistance to areas affected by the wildfires. A federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. In addition, FEMA is offering individual assistance to wildfire survivors to help them recover from the disaster. The agency already approved 3,589 applications for individual assistance. It already approved over $7.5 million for individual and household assistance.

Gov. Brown orders funding for immediate needs of impacted areas

Separately on Friday, Gov. Brown directed the California Department of Finance to expedite appropriations of $41.5 million funding. The State will use the money to support the immediate needs of areas impacted by wildfires including hazardous waste removal.  It will also use the fund to provide assistance for wildfire victims not eligible for federal aid. Under the State appropriations, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) will dedicate $35 million to debris removal and cleanup efforts. Additionally, California Department of Toxic Substances Control will allocate $1.5 million to support hazardous waste cleanup operations.