January 30, 2024

Rep. Sara Jacobs Leads San Diego Congressional Delegation in Urging President Biden to Declare Federal Emergency for Flooding Damage if Criteria is Met

Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led the San Diego congressional delegation, including Reps. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Scott Peters (CA-50), in urging President Biden to approve a federal emergency declaration to help San Diego address the damage from last week’s devastating floods if the federal criteria is met. The lawmakers stressed that federal intervention is likely needed to ensure a proper and quick recovery for all San Diegans impacted by the historic rainfall that left at least two people dead, and badly damaged homes, businesses, cars, and infrastructure.

 

Read Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Letter Here

 

The lawmakers wrote:

 

“We write today to bring your attention to the devastating floods our constituents and fellow San Diegans experienced in San Diego County on January 22, 2024. 

 

“January 22, 2024, was the fourth wettest day in San Diego County in nearly 175 years, with more than a month’s worth of rain falling in only six hours. As the floodwaters recede, we are now faced with badly damaged infrastructure across many communities. Many residents have lost their homes, businesses, automobiles, and pets. Tragically, as of today, there have also been two fatalities reported. The severity of this disaster has overwhelmed local resources, significantly hindering recovery efforts. 

 

“We support Governor Newsom’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in San Diego County, and are grateful that FEMA representatives are now on the ground in San Diego to assess the damage. We believe that federal intervention will likely be necessary to ensure a proper and speedy recovery for all San Diegans impacted by this historic rainfall. We understand that San Diego County needs to meet certain damage assessment thresholds for federal assistance. Should we meet the necessary qualifications for federal intervention, we request your urgent approval of a federal emergency declaration, which will allow federal assistance to supplement state and local response efforts. 

 

“Thank you for your continued leadership, and for your attention to this disaster.”

 

Since the storm, Rep. Sara Jacobs has visited Rolando Park, Rolando Village, Mission Valley, Spring Valley, and Lemon Grove with local elected officials to assess the extent of the flooding damage. She continues to urge San Diegans to report any flooding damage using the County of San Diego’s survey so San Diego can make the best possible case for needing robust federal assistance. Her office remains in close contact with FEMA.

 

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