To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Ratification of Local Emergency Proclamation
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Ratify the resolution proclaiming the existence of a local emergency following severe weather on or about Jan. 20, 2019 (Attachment 1).
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
Around Jan. 20, 2019, Humboldt County experienced damage from a strong winter storm event. The storm caused a major slip out of Panther Gap Road effectively cutting off 10 residents/households from essential emergency services, such as fire, medical and law enforcement. There is no detour currently available. The county is working on establishing a detour route around the slip out. A potential detour route that the county is exploring is extremely steep with a series of switch back curves that will require the use of 4-wheel drive vehicles in which emergency vehicles will not be able to negotiate. Other alternative routes may be available within Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The initial damage assessment is 1.5 million dollars and is expected to rise.
Pursuant to Humboldt County Ordinance 2447, Sheriff William F. Honsal as Director of the Office of Emergency Services issued a Resolution Proclaiming the Existence of a Local Emergency, finding that damage to a critical transportation route has incurred as a result of the January 2019 storm event. Such damages exceed available county resources and ratification of the resolution will allow the county to seek state and federal resources to make repairs to the damaged infrastructure.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The ratification of the resolution allows for the county to seek state and federal reimbursement for storm damage repairs. The amount of funding depends on the agencies that assist, including the State of California and the Federal Government.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
State of California and United States
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to ratify the Resolution, however, that would preclude the county from seeking outside assistance from emergency programs to provide funding for road repairs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Resolution Proclaiming the Existence of a Local Emergency due to severe weather around January 20, 2019 as executed by Sheriff William F. Honsal on January 29, 2019.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: NA
Meeting of: NA
File No.: NA