Last weekend’s effort by the county Office of Emergency Services, with help from dozens of local CERT volunteers, to better assess damage from the storm event that began October 12, has placed the event in a whole new category. With nearly $5.5 million dollars already spent on road repairs, and the number of homes damaged figured to be 100, county supervisors yesterday ratified an emergency declaration. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more on what that means for local communities…
For residents in and around Flamingo Heights, Joshua Tree, Landers, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley the declaration opens the door for assistance from Governor Jerry Brown’s Office of Emergency Services as well the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program.
According to a statement released yesterday by county administrators, storm damaged roads are “clear and passable” thanks to the efforts of County Public Works, Special Districts, Caltrans and others. However, the county will now look to Sacramento and D.C. for funds to continue repairs and restoration of roads to their previous condition. Landers was singled out because Special Districts has stopped work there due to depletion of reserves. County Emergency Services personnel and local volunteers will be out on Saturday canvassing neighborhoods assessing damage and offering assistance.
If you’ve suffered storm-related property damage and have questions about assistance call Shanna Jensen with the county Office of Emergency Services at 909-356-3998 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COUNTY DECLARES MORONGO BASIN AREA STORM DAMAGE A LOCAL EMERGENCY
