President Biden approves major disaster assistance to Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for tropical storm repairs
President Joe Biden has approved federal disaster assistance to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Hilary from Aug. 19 - 21, 2023, FEMA announced on Thursday.
The agency confirmed that public Assistance federal funding is available to the Tribal government and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Hilary.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.
Andrew F. Grant has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.
There is no word on the status of federal assistance to other cities in the Coachella Valley affected by Tropical Storm Hilary. We've reached out to our local Congressmen for an update.
Statement from Rep. Ken Calvert:
“I’m thankful for the Biden Administration’s approval of Agua Caliente’s federal disaster declaration request, which will allow the tribe to repair infrastructure damaged during Tropical Storm Hilary. I’m hopeful California’s disaster declaration will also be approved in the near future.”
A spokesperson for Rep. Calvert said they believe both California’s request and Agua Caliente’s request were made on the same date. They believe California's request could be taking longer as it was more complex due to the number of counties involved.
There is no word on when California's federal assistance request could be approved.
Stay with News Channel 3 as we continue to learn more.
