Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday signed legislation providing $2.5 billion in relief funds to support recovery from the deadly wildfires that ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
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Newsom said the money will be "made available immediately" and will help cover "ongoing operations, disaster recovery, debris removal, work on logistics, traffic management, address all the myriad of issues that we're facing in real time."
Sen. Ben Allen, D-Pacific Palisades, hailed the signing of the legislation.
"The long road to recovery is just beginning, and these bills are a couple of important first steps to usher us along the path," Allen said in a statement after the signing ceremony. "Relief from these devastating fires is going to require a holistic approach, which will incorporate not just a massive financial undertaking, but strong policy that ensures the best interest of victims and survivors are upheld through the rebuilding process as well. I am grateful to see this starting to come together, and am eager to see the money start flowing as quickly as possible to this community in dire need."
According to Allen, the bulk of the funding in the legislation will go toward cleanup efforts and removal of hazardous waste, along with remediating hazards such as water and air quality, flooding and debris flows. The money can also be used for sheltering people left homeless, expediting rebuilding efforts and replacing damaged or destroyed school facilities.
The California Latino Legislative Caucus, noting that the fires affected many people, including 74,000 Latinos, and "there is nothing more important than acting quickly to respond to the moment."
"Looking ahead, we are pleased to know these funds will boost emergency response and cleanup, help rebuild schools faster, and increase preparedness efforts to prevent the dangers that arise during extreme weather events," according to the caucus.
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