California approves more than $11M to help Mariposa County fund removal of wildfire debris
Mariposa County will receive more than $11 million in state funding to assist in the removal of hazardous debris generated by the Oak Fire, according to state officials.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) announced Thursday the approval of nearly $11.7 million in California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) funding to assist Mariposa County with covering costs of removing the hazardous debris generated and left behind by the July 2022 Oak Fire which destroyed close to 200 structures.
According to a Cal OES news release, the $11,697,174 represents the state’s share of the estimated $12,996,860 in costs Mariposa County is expected to incur during the removal process. In total, 127 homes and 66 other structures were affected by the wildfire.
The county will be required to submit documentation and payment requests to Cal OES as the work is completed in order for the state to provide payments based on actual costs incurred, according to the release.
A July 23, 2022 State of Emergency Proclamation by Gov. Gavin Newsom allowed Mariposa County to apply for state reimbursement through the CDAA on a cost-share basis for the removal of debris as well as emergency protective measures and permanent repair of damaged public facilities including roads, bridges, recreation facilities, parks, buildings and equipment.
According to the release, Mariposa County received $2,395,094.40 from Cal OES last month to help cover administrative costs related to debris removal efforts.
