The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday formally supported Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $39.68 billion request to the federal government to pay for recovery work related to the January wildfires.
Newsom sent a letter Feb. 21 to the House of Representatives that identified the city, county and state’s financial needs to support the immediate and long-term recovery of impacted communities. The funding would support business and workforce recovery, tax incentives, community and private property recovery and disaster resilience, according to a motion by Board Chair Kathryn Barger, whose 5th District includes San Gabriel Valley foothill communities devastated in the Eaton Fire.
On Jan. 23, county supervisors sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking for financial and legislative support, and the county has also submitted a Supplemental State Budget Request for fiscal year 2025-2026 seeking $900 million.
“This supplemental funding is critical to sustaining vital public services, including child and family services, healthcare, libraries, public works, solid waste management, and parks and recreation,” according to Barger’s motion. …
“Significant repairs and modernizations to water, sewer, gas and electrical infrastructure are necessary to get residents back into their communities. Creative financing mechanisms and federal grant funding will be crucial to ensure all residents have the option to return to their homes,” the motion stated.
The board also acknowledged support from the Trump administration and federal agencies for the wildfire cleanup work.
“President Trump’s commitment to supporting Los Angeles County’s recovery from the January windstorms and fires has been steadfast,” the motion said. “It is in thanks to the Trump Administration’s investment of additional resources that the EPA’s clearance of hazardous household waste, and the Army Corps of Engineers debris clearance, are ahead of schedule. It is evident that the County, State, and Federal agencies are committed to eliminating any bureaucracy that will slow down rebuilding.”
Supervisors voted 5-0 to send a five-signature letter to congressional leadership, with a copy to the county’s House and Senate delegation.
