Amerika Posted on 2025-01-27 09:43:00

$2.5 billion for wildfire recovery - California, funds will be used for housing residents, rebuilding

From Kristi Ceta

$2.5 billion for wildfire recovery - California, funds will be used for housing

California will spend $2.5 billion to help the Los Angeles area recover from recent deadly wildfires.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation after the state legislature passed it with bipartisan support. The measures include $2.5 billion for emergency disaster response, such as evacuations, housing survivors and removing hazardous household waste. Lawmakers also approved $4 million for local governments to streamline approvals for home reconstruction and $1 million in support for school facilities.

Newsom called lawmakers into a special session in November to prepare for legal battles against the Trump administration. But after major wildfires raged around Los Angeles, the governor reversed course, prioritizing relief funding.

The state Senate also approved $25 million to defend the state against legal challenges from the federal government, along with another $25 million to protect immigrants facing potential deportation and other threats. The state Assembly will still have to approve the bills before they reach Newsom's desk.

The largest of the recent Southern California wildfires erupted on January 7, engulfing the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles and killing 11 people. The Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day near Altadena, has killed 17 people.

The Newsom administration said the state expects to be reimbursed by the federal government for disaster relief funds.

The governor also announced a commitment from 270 state-chartered banks and lenders to provide mortgage relief to homeowners affected by the fires.

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