10/23/2007 GAAS:850:07 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Governor Schwarzenegger Advises U.S. Secretary of Labor of Intent to Apply for National Emergency Grant Funds Due to Southern California Wildfires
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today sent the following letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao advising that the state of California intends to apply for National Emergency Grant funds for the ongoing Southern California wildfires disaster.
October 23, 2007
The Honorable Elaine L. Chao
Secretary of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Room S2018
Washington, DC 20010
Re: CALIFORNIA’S APPLICATION FOR NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANT FUNDS FOR THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRE DISASTER 2007
Dear Madam Secretary,
This is to advise you that the State of California intends to apply for National Emergency Grant funds for the ongoing Southern California wildfires disaster, which began in the early morning of October 21, 2007. President Bush declared a state of emergency for California on October 23, 2007. We are now awaiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance/Local Assistance declaration that will make California eligible for a National Emergency Grant and Disaster Unemployment Assistance needed to provide relief to Southern California. We are seeking your assistance in expediting this process.
Wildfires fanned by fierce desert winds continue to consume huge swaths of bone-dry Southern California. To date, more than 500,000 Californians have been evacuated from their homes. The wildfires have destroyed more than 750 homes, burned more than 500 square miles of land and are threatening thousands of additional structures from Malibu to San Diego, encompassing most of Southern California.
I request your immediate and urgent attention to helping the people in Southern California.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
