DATE: March 28, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Termination of the Severe Drought Local Emergency Status in Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution terminating the local emergency status related to the Severe Drought.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will terminate the severe drought local emergency status in Fresno County.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may opt to continue the local emergency until a date uncertain or act on an alternative termination date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to Government Code (GC), §8630 and County Ordinance, Chapter 2.44, the Fresno County Emergency Services Director proclaimed the existence of a local emergency due to severe drought. On May 4, 2021, the Board confirmed the proclamation of a local emergency by ratifying the proclamation and adopting resolution No. 21-126. On May 10, 2021, the Governor of the State of California expanded his April 21, 2021 drought proclamation to include 39 additional counties, including the County of Fresno. On July 8, 2021, the Governor included nine additional counties in his drought proclamation, increasing the total to 50 counties across the State. On October 19, 2021, the Governor expanded the drought emergency Statewide.
Beginning in the month of December 2022, multiple winter storms have been continuously impacting Fresno County, resulting in record snowfall and rainfall. Short- and long-range weather forecasts indicate continued winter storms for several weeks. Due to the record rain and snowpack, the water storage in local lakes and reservoirs will be at maximum capacity. It is now recommended that the severe drought local emergency status in Fresno County be officially terminated. Approval of the recommended action will not adversely impact State disaster assistance programs for eligible damages.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #26, February 7, 2023
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander