SACRAMENTO – Senate Bill 462, introduced by Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno), was approved by the Senate Governmental Organization Committee today.
Senate Bill 462 would allow for the state to share up to 100 percent of total eligible costs related to the Creek Fire. Currently, the state’s share is only 75 percent.
The Senate Governmental Organization Committee has jurisdiction over bills relating to state government organizations including, management of public safety emergencies and disaster response. Also, legislation permitting the use of state-controlled lands.
Lastly, bills that have been considered by other committees having jurisdiction of the appropriate subject, for consideration of any question relating to state government.
The Creek Fire is the largest single wildfire event in California history. The fire burned for four months from September 4, 2020 to December 24, 2020.
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The fire destroyed 853 structures and burned approximately 379,895 acres of forest land in Fresno and Madera Counties.
The U.S. Forest Service estimates that the total cost to fight the fire, combined with property damage, will total approximately $500 million. Aside from the massive fiscal impact, the emotional toll on communities in the 8th Senate District was substantial.
“I have personally witnessed the damaged areas and listened to heartbreaking stories from people who lost their homes and businesses to the Creek Fire,” said Senator Borgeas. “The people of Fresno and Madera Counties deserve assistance from the state of California to help them rebuild their lives and continue post-fire recovery efforts.”
The California Professional Firefighters Association and the California State Association of Counties are in support of the bill.
Senator Borgeas represents the 8th Senate District, which encompasses all or portions of Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. For additional information about Senator Borgeas, please visit his website at www.senate.ca.gov/borgeas or sign up for his monthly newsletter here.
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