Santa Cruz County estimates $4 million worth in damage was done from the large swells, while Monterey County is looking to be reimbursed for mitigation efforts.
Santa Cruz County estimates $4 million worth in damage was done from the large swells, while Monterey County is looking to be reimbursed for mitigation efforts. 400v Acive Harmonic Filter Wall Mounted Type
Santa Cruz County estimates $4 million worth in damage was done from the large swells, while Monterey County is looking to be reimbursed for mitigation efforts.
From Rio del Mar to the Santa Cruz Wharf to the Capitola Village, Santa Cruz County estimates about $4 million in damages after initial inspections following the swells that struck in late December.
"For the community, the memory is still fresh, so to book 2023, Jan. 5, and then again on Dec. 28, with two giant coastal storm events, it's pretty impactful and traumatic," said Dave Reid, Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery, and Resilience.
Now, the county is in the process of a disaster proclamation, it's all about recovery. They hope it will be the first step towards financial relief from the state, speeding up the process and focusing on those hardest hit, like businesses and homeowners.
"With this particular disaster, our hope is that the state may be able to help us recover and reimburse us a little bit faster," Reid said.
In Monterey County, it's all about preparation.
"The proclamation is a first step and a safety net we will use. We tell the residents of Monterey County to be prepared, this is a way for the county to prepare," said Nick Pasculli, Monterey County spokesperson.
While they didn't receive extensive damages in December, they hope this proclamation could allow them to be reimbursed for their mitigation efforts made prior to December's swells in areas like the Carmel River Lagoon and the Salinas River Lagoon.
"This is a mechanism to track that information and track that data in case we need to go back and seek reimbursement if a situation warrants," Pasculli said.
Right now, both counties are currently in the hole following previous storms. In Santa Cruz alone, they've had seven federally declared disasters since 2017.
Some leaders call the Federal Emergency Management Agency's system "broken," because it requires local government to put money upfront, many are left waiting for their money back.
"Like many other counties in the state of California that are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government. We two are waiting for that assistance to come as well," Pasculli said.
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