To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Ratification of Local Emergency Proclamation due to severe weather on or about February 12, 2019.
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Ratify the resolution of the Director of Emergency Services proclaiming the existence of a local emergency following severe weather on or about February 12, 2019 (Attachment 1).
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
Beginning on or around February 12, 2019, Humboldt County experienced damage from a strong winter storm event. The storm caused excessive shoaling near the entrance of Humboldt Bay, and other damages around the county.
The excessive shoaling has created unsafe conditions for many vessels entering and exiting the Humboldt Bay federal channel. The shoaling prompted depth restrictions and the US Coast Guard to close the harbor due to severe winter storm activity. Fishing and recreational vessels are entering this port without local knowledge, increasing the hazard around the channel. Safety of these and other vessels is the primary concern, as well as the loss of business.
In addition, the winter storm caused other damages in Humboldt County, including but not limited to flooding, damaged roads, failed culverts, power outages, downed power lines, and damages to public facilities on the coast and throughout Humboldt County.
Due to these conditions, the Director of Emergency Services proclaimed the existence of a local emergency on February 19, 2019. This proclamation must be ratified by the Board of Supervisors to continue in effect.
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 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 federal government
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 and expedite the request for dredging the bay entrance earlier than the scheduled June date.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution proclaiming the existence of a local emergency due to severe weather around February 12 as executed by Sheriff William F. Honsal on February 19, 2019.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A