2023 Flood Recovery

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2023 FLOOD RECOVERY  

Continuing to work shoulder to shoulder with local, state, and federal partners to keep communities state in response to flooding in the Tulare Basin, Cal OES is working across state government to continue proactive preparedness and response efforts. 

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP 

Resource Centers 

Disaster recovery centers are activated following a major disaster to aid individuals and businesses that have suffered losses or damages as a result of the disaster. These centers are locally driven and vary in structure, drawing support from local, state, federal, and non-profit organizations. Find active disaster recovery centers here: Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open | Cal OES News 

Federal Assistance 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 

Small Business Administration (SBA) 

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can apply for disaster assistance: 

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov 
  • Calling 800-621-3362 
  • By using the FEMA smartphone application 
  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. 

State Assistance 

Franchise Tax Board 

California Department of Social Services 

Employment Development Department 

Department of Justice 

CURRENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR THIS FEDERAL MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION  

Please note that this Major Disaster Declaration is specific to the impacts of the February and March storms. To find information on the ongoing impacts of the January storms visit: 2023 Winter Storms Recovery.  

Additional areas may be requested and added following further damage assessments for counties not presently covered by FEMA’s Major Disaster Declaration. 

  Individual Assistance  Public Assistance  Hazard Mitigation Assistance 
Counties Designated  Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare, Tuolumne  Alpine, Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, Sierra, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne  All 58 counties. 
What it means  Individuals and households in these designated counties are eligible to apply for financial and direct services. Apply for assistance, or learn more about the Individual Assistance program.  State, local, tribal, and territorial governments and certain private-non-profit organizations in these designated counties are eligible for assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Learn more about the Public Assistance program.  Assistance to state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards. 

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY

As the state’s lead emergency management agency, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) remains committed to supporting our communities and leveraging both state and federal aid to assist those who have been negatively impacted by the ongoing floods.   

Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency in 47 counties impacted by the February and March storms and subsequent flooding.  

Following the state’s initial response, a Major Disaster declaration from President Joe R. Biden continues providing Californians with eligibility for federal relief programs and funding for disaster recovery centers and tactical recovery efforts.  

Outlined below is a general overview of the approved aid and the subsequent steps that will be taken to support affected California communities.  

MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION 

Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration on March 28, 2023 in response to the February and March storms, which was approved by President Joe R. Biden on April 3, 2023. The disaster is declared as California Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4699-CA).  

The President has the authority to declare a Major Disaster Declaration for any natural event that is deemed to have caused damage beyond the capacity of state and local governments to manage. This declaration offers a broad range of federal assistance programs to support public infrastructure and individuals affected by the disaster.  

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL