Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement today following FEMA’s announcement of Public Assistance programs for the Thomas Fire and continued review of Individual Assistance:
“I am pleased that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen came to Ventura today to see firsthand the damage to our area and the immense loss that so many of our friends and neighbors are facing due to the Thomas Fire.
“I am also pleased that President Trump has finally approved some of Governor Brown’s request for FEMA disaster recovery assistance for Ventura County to help our community rebuild. Specifically, Public Assistance has been approved to help with damage to state and local public infrastructure. Under certain circumstances, private nonprofit organizations are also eligible to apply. FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance has also been approved, which will help to address hazards posed by debris and the potential for mudslides.
“Unfortunately, the President has not yet approved Individual Assistance. As I expressed to Secretary Nielsen in our meeting today, I strongly agree with Governor Brown that the threshold for Individual Assistance has been met, and I will continue to work with the President, and federal, state, and local officials, to ensure a full review of Ventura County’s eligibility is completed. Our community needs additional resources as we recover from this horrible fire, which has left many families without a home, destroyed numerous businesses, and left many workers without jobs or income to support their families.”
Read more about FEMA Public Assistance.
Read more about Hazard Mitigation Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Read the Federal Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet.
Issues: 115th Congress, Local Issues