January 26, 2021 - FRESNO – Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) and Assemblymember Frank Bigelow are requesting that Governor Gavin Newsom issue a disaster declaration for Madera and Mariposa Counties due to the damage caused by the Mono wind event.
State resources can assist with efforts to restore these communities.
The following is the letter to Governor Newsom:
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE
STATE CAPITOL
SACRAMENTO. CALIFORNIA
95814
January 26, 2021
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Request for Disaster Declaration in Madera and Mariposa Counties
Dear Governor Newsom,
California's foothill and mountain communities have endured extreme weather, windstorms, and wildfires over the past several months. Last week, the powerful Mono windstorm wreaked havoc upon California's foothill and mountain regions in Madera and Mariposa Counties. The Mono wind event caused electricity shutoffs for nearly 30,000 people in the region and damaged local roads, bridges, and facilities. Wind speeds reportedly reached over 100 miles-per-how in communities such as Bass Lake, Wawona and Oakhurst. It is imperative that California undertake efforts to assist its most vulnerable communities and prevent further devastation.
On Friday, January 22, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a local disaster declaration requesting state and/or federal assistance with recovery efforts. Mariposa County estimates at least $700,000 in damage to county property. The region is anticipating a winter storm creating hazardous conditions for residents. Substantial snowfall, combined with felled powerlines and hundreds if not thousands of trees in the Sierra Nevada, puts the safety of Californians in Madera and Mariposa Counties at risk. Yosemite National Park, a gem of California, remains closed to repair the damage.
This disaster comes on the heels of the devastating Creek Fire, which burned almost 380,000 acres in California's foothill communities including portions of Madera County.
As local leaders assess current damages and brace for impact, the state of California can be a formative partner in assisting with recovery and cleanup efforts. We respectfully request a state emergency declaration in Madera and Mariposa Counties to prevent further devastation and save lives. Thank you for your consideration of this request, and please do not hesitate to contact our offices with further questions.
Sincerely,
ANDREAS BORGEAS
8th Senate District
FRANK BIGELOW
5th Assembly District
Source: Senator Andreas Borgeas
