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Gov. Gavin Newsom displays signed legislation for $2.5 billion in wildfire relief funds. | Photo courtesy of the governor's office
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In the wake of devastating wildfires that have ravaged the state, California is allocating over $2.5 billion for response and preparedness, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced Thursday.
The substantial outlay will go toward various recovery efforts, including providing shelters, removing hazardous waste and testing air quality.
Newsom joined community leaders and elected officials near the devastated community of Altadena and signed the disaster relief bill.
“Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we’re providing over $2.5 billion in immediate relief — expediting initial firestorm response and recovery efforts,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re also directing millions of dollars to help local governments speed up building approvals — so folks can rebuild their homes faster.”
The relief package designates $2.5 billion to expedite initial fire response and recovery efforts including shelter for survivors, debris removal and cleanup, post-fire hazard assessments such as flash floods and debris flows, traffic control and other emergency response activities.
Another $4 million from the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development is intended to help expedite building permits.
The legislation also appropriates $1 million to rebuild fire-damaged schools, with $250,000 for the Division of the State Architect and $750,000 to the Office of Public School Construction.
The relief dollars are from California’s reserve fund for economic uncertainties, totaling about $8.3 billion as of Jan. 10.
“California leaders from both political parties are united and working together to provide L.A. with the immediate assistance and support they need,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, said in a statement. “We approved billions of dollars to help clean-up devastated neighborhoods, rebuild schools and put communities on a path to recovery. … This is a first step, but we are committed to a full recovery and will stand with Angelenos until this work is done.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, D-North Coast, said in a statement, “This $2.5 billion is a clear commitment that we’ve got your back LA. We’ve got your back now and we’ve got your back in the months and years to come. Your rebuild and your comeback is our priority. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas and our legislative colleagues who moved with urgency to get this funding across the finish line. This downpayment is just the beginning.”
Legislators also stressed the importance of equitable rebuilding efforts.
“Fire does not discriminate. But what can discriminate is how we rebuild,” Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, told CalMatters. “It is crucial to do so ethically and equitably.”
While state officials expect that the $2.5 billion will be reimbursed by the federal government, the relationship between Newsom and President Donald Trump remains tense. According to CNN, “No one is talking between the Democratic governor’s team and the newly inaugurated president’s” about Trump’s visit to the state. Despite the apparent disconnect, Newsom met Trump at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday.
“We’re going to do a lot of work and I think you’re going to see a lot of progress,” Trump said, according to The Guardian.
Newsom sought Trump’s backing for the recovery initiative, noting that “It’s not just the folks in Palisades but the folks in Altadena that were devastated.”
Last week House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, hinted at tying funding for California fire relief with state policy changes.
“Unlike MAGA Republicans in Washington who talk about delaying relief for political purposes, California is supporting our people with no strings attached,” Newsom said in a statement. “Together, we’ll rebuild Los Angeles.”
The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 27 people and displaced tens of thousands, with new blazes continuing to emerge in Southern California.
The governor’s office provided these fire recovery resource:
CA.gov/LAfires is a hub for information and resources from local, state and federal governments.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires can apply for disaster assistance via DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or via the FEMA smart phone application.
