Lawmakers Seek Federal Disaster Declaration

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Two days after Raul Ruiz, CA-25, urged President Biden to declare a Federal State of Emergency for Southern California, Congressman Ken Calvert, CA-41, and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, along with Reps. Valadao, Steel, Obernolte, Garcia, Kiley, and Kim, drafted a letter asking President Joe Biden to quickly approve a major federal disaster declaration associated with the widespread flooding, debris flows, and wind damage from Tropical Storm Hilary should a request be made by the Governor.

Parat of Ruiz’s and Calvert’s district includes the Coachella Valley. Ruiz also represents portions of the San Gorgonio Pass Area, which suffered significant storm damage.

“With Governor Newsom issuing a State of Emergency and the devastation expected from Hurricane Hilary in our desert and under-resourced communities, I urge President Biden to declare a Federal State of Emergency for Southern California and to expedite resources to assist in disaster mitigation, rescue, and rehabilitation,” Ruiz said on Sunday.

Riverside County officials and residents continued cleaning up Tuesday after Tropical Storm Hilary’s weekend pounding that caused severe flooding in parts of the Coachella Valley and stranded some people in their neighborhoods with mudflow as high as 5 feet in some communities.

On Saturday, Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for much of Southern California to support Hilary’s response and recovery efforts. Riverside County Chief Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen declared a local emergency Monday for the entire county, and several Coachella Valley cities followed suit, including the cities of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Palm Springs.

“Tropical Storm Hilary caused significant damage throughout the 41st Congressional District, especially in Coachella Valley, and other parts of California,” Calvert said in a statement. “My colleagues and I in the California Delegation urge President Biden to stand ready to approve California’s request for a major disaster declaration should state and local emergency officials require further federal assistance and coordination. It’s absolutely critical that the federal government step up to the plate and avert further catastrophe by providing our residents, businesses, and communities with the resources and assistance they need to help our region recover from this historic storm.”

“Tropical Storm Hilary caused significant damage throughout the 41st Congressional District, especially in Coachella Valley, and other parts of California,” said Rep. Calvert. “My colleagues and I in the California Delegation urge President Biden to stand ready to approve California’s request for a major disaster declaration should state and local emergency officials require further federal assistance and coordination. It’s absolutely critical that the federal government step up to the plate and avert further catastrophe by providing our residents, businesses, and communities with the resources and assistance they need to help our region recover from this historic storm.”

“I commend my good friend Ken Calvert for his leadership in uniting California Members of Congress to request much-needed assistance for all of our communities,” said Speaker McCarthy. “The people of the Inland Empire have a true champion in Rep. Calvert, and together, we will work to rebuild and recover from this devastating storm.”