The governor said the funding would prioritize rebuilding homes, infrastructures, businesses, schools, health care facilities, and churches.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Congress to approve nearly $40 billion in relief aid for the Los Angeles area after last month’s destructive wildfires, which could be the nation’s costliest natural disaster in history.
In a Feb. 21 post on the social platform X, Newsom said it will take an “all-hands-on-deck approach to rebuild from the devastating fires in LA.”
“I’m asking Congress to have the back of the American people and provide disaster funding to help Californians recover and rebuild as soon as possible,” he said.
Newsom sent a letter on Feb. 21 to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee.
“The funding identified in this request totaling $39,680,737,878 will directly support these communities in both the immediate and long-term recovery work needed to rebuild lives and properties from this catastrophic event,” Newsom wrote.
“Los Angeles is one of the most economically productive places on the globe, but it can only rebound and flourish with support from the federal government as it recovers from this unprecedented disaster.”
Experts estimate the total economic loss from the wildfires could surpass $250 billion, and a Los Angeles Times analysis found the real estate losses from the fires that engulfed the Palisades and Eaton areas could potentially total $30 billion. Fires destroyed more than 16,200 structures throughout the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, and Altadena.
The governor said the funding would prioritize rebuilding homes, infrastructures, businesses, schools, health care facilities, and churches while supporting those affected by the catastrophe.
“Make no mistake, Los Angeles will use this money wisely,” Newsom wrote in his letter.
Among Newsom’s requested grants, his largest is for an additional $16.8 billion from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which would mostly rebuild properties and infrastructure, which includes $5 billion for hazardous household cleanup.
Another request is for $9.9 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for grants to fire victims, homeowners, renters, and businesses. Newsom is also asking for $5.29 billion from the Small Business Administration for business and homeowner loans.
