Local Congressmen Calvert & Ruiz urge President Biden to declare federal disaster due to Tropical Storm Hilary
Local Congressmen Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz each sent letters to President Joe Biden requesting federal disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Hilary's aftermath
Calvert along with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, Reps. Valadao, Steel, Obernolte, Garcia, Kiley, and Kim, led a letter asking President Joe Biden to quickly approve a major federal disaster declaration associated with the widespread flooding, debris flows, and wind damage from Tropical Storm Hilary should a request be made by the Governor.
“Tropical Storm Hilary caused significant damage throughout the 41st Congressional District, especially in Coachella Valley, and other parts of California,” said Rep. Calvert. “My colleagues and I in the California Delegation urge President Biden to stand ready to approve California’s request for a major disaster declaration should state and local emergency officials require further federal assistance and coordination. It’s absolutely critical that the federal government step up to the plate and avert further catastrophe by providing our residents, businesses, and communities with the resources and assistance they need to help our region recover from this historic storm.”
- Rep. Ken Calvert
“I commend my good friend Ken Calvert for his leadership in uniting California Members of Congress to request much-needed assistance for all of our communities," said Speaker McCarthy. "The people of the Inland Empire have a true champion in Rep. Calvert, and together, we will work to rebuild and recover from this devastating storm.”
On Sunday, Ruiz along with his colleagues from the Inland Empire Region in California sent a letter to Biden urging him for federal state of emergency.
“With Governor Newsom issuing a State of Emergency and the devastation expected from Hurricane Hilary in our desert and under-resourced communities, I urge President Biden to declare a Federal State of Emergency for Southern California and to expedite resources to assist in disaster mitigation, rescue, and rehabilitation,” said Dr. Ruiz. “I will continue to advocate for the safety of the people I serve and work with local, state and federal agencies to facilitate needed resources.”
Ruiz spoke News Channel 3's Jeff Stahl live at Noon on Monday to discuss the federal assistant request.
Tropical Storm Hilary caused widespread devastation throughout the Coachella Valley. Many residents were forced to leave their homes due to flooding. Some roads will remain closed for longer periods due to the damage from flood waters.
Interstate 10 was shut down for almost 24 hours between Sunday and Monday as the freeway got flooded. The freeway was reopened Monday afternoon, however, there was heavy traffic throughout the day.
In Cathedral City, first responders rescued 56 residents near Date Palm Drive and Vista Chino, including 14 residents from a senior care boarding facility, after standing mud trapped their in their homes and neighborhoods.
According to the city, in some areas, mud was about five feet deep.
Residents from the Spanish Walk community in Palm Desert were rescued by rafts.
Every Coachella Valley city except for Rancho Mirage, has declared a local emergency due to the impacts from the storm. Riverisde County and California have also declared emergencies.
Watch Coachella Valley Mayors speak with News Channel 3 about the storm
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary
