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.
