DATE: November 7, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Continuation of the Winter Storms Local Emergency Status in Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming continuation of the local emergency status relating to the Winter Storms and request that the Governor continue to provide resources and support to recover from this event.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure the local emergency status remains in effect and permit the potential recovery of eligible costs, and it will also allow for the County to request relief for public agencies that are impacted by this disaster. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and potential recovery of eligible costs from State and Federal funds.
DISCUSSION:
On January 9, 2023, 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 winter storms. On January 13, 2023, the Board confirmed the proclamation of a local emergency by ratifying the proclamation and adopting resolution No. 23-007. On January 4, 2023, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a State of Emergency throughout the State as a result of the winter storms. On January 11, 2023, the County of Fresno was added to the list of Counties included in the Presidential Emergency Declaration. The Declaration provides assistance for emergency protective measures, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety.
Severe winter storms, including atmospheric river systems, resulted in the damage and subsequent closure of County and State roads beginning on December 31, 2022. Ingress and egress for residents in the foothill community area of Shaver Lake and Big Creek was compromised due to the complete closures of Highway 168 and Huntington Lake Road, partial closure of Auberry Road, and damage to other public roads. Road repair work has commenced, however, damage assessments for roads, bridges, and other infrastructure continues.
County Ordinance, Chapter 2.44 requires your Board to review the need to continue the local emergency at least once every 60 days until terminated. The local emergency must be terminated at the earliest possible date when conditions warranting the proclamation have ended.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #1, January 13, 2023
BAI #27, February 28, 2023
BAI #20, April 25, 2023
BAI #36, June 20, 2023
BAI #24, August 8, 2023
BAI #33, September 19, 2023
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander