Congressman Ruiz’s Statement After Aerial Tour to Assess Damage Done by Tropical Storm Hilary

Palm Springs, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) released the following statement after taking an aerial tour of I-10 and Bob Hope, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Coachella, Mecca, Desert Shores, and Salton City to assess the damages caused by Tropical Storm Hilary:

“After seeing first-hand the significant damages caused by Tropical Storm Hilary, it is evident that our communities were impacted the most by the storm and need immediate access to federal and state funding to help them recover and rebuild,” said Dr. Ruiz. “I continue to urge President Biden to make a Major Disaster Declaration for Southern California and release the necessary federal funds for our communities.”

Background:

A major disaster declaration provides a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work.

The requirements for a major disaster declaration are:

• Confirmation that the Governor or Tribal Chief Executive has taken appropriate action under State or Tribal law and directed execution of the State or Tribal emergency plan;
• An estimate of the amount and severity of damage to the public and private sector;
• A description of the State and local or Indian tribal government efforts and resources utilized to alleviate the disaster;
• Preliminary estimates of the type and amount of Stafford Act assistance needed; and
• Certification by the Governor or Tribal Chief Executive that the State and local governments or Indian tribal government will comply with all applicable cost sharing requirements.