02/19/2008 GAAS:89:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Gov. Schwarzenegger Requests Federal Emergency, Protective Measures after Closure of Dangerous Bridge in Humboldt County
Governor Schwarzenegger sent the following letter to President Bush requesting federal emergency assistance to help deal with the closure of Martins Ferry Bridge in northern Humboldt County. The bridge closed last December after a California Department of Transportation's inspection revealed critical problems with the foundation that represent an extremely dangerous situation. The Governor subsequently proclaimed a State of Emergency authorizing the expedition of funding and repairs to the bridge and an alternate route to be upgraded to increase the safety of the community.
Below is the full text of the Governor's letter to President Bush:
February 19, 2008
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Through: Ms. Nancy Ward
Regional Director
Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IX
1111 Broadway Street
Suite 1200
Oakland, California 95607
Dear Mr. President,
Under the provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq. (the Stafford Act), as implemented by 44 CFR § 206.35, I request that you declare an emergency for the State of California as a result of the extended emergency closure of the Martins Ferry Bridge in Humboldt County, which has had a particular impact on the Yurok Tribal community.
In response to the situation, I have taken appropriate action under state law and directed the execution of the State Emergency Plan on December 22, 2007, in accordance with the Stafford Act. This includes proclaiming a state of emergency in Humboldt County.
I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local and tribal governments, and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster. I am specifically requesting direct federal assistance and emergency protective measures.
On December 3, 2007, Humboldt County initiated an immediate closure of the Martins Ferry Bridge in Humboldt County due to a lack of structural integrity following an inspection by the California Department of Transportation. A deep-seated slide beneath the bridge caused its foundations to shift two piers and also shift the abutment out from under the bridge superstructure. The bridge is a significant transportation route on the Yurok reservation, used by the local community and tribal staff to access essential services. Using existing county and state paved roads as a detour, it is approximately 100 miles from one side of the bridge to the other.
An alternate route has been identified. Known as Dowd Road, this road is not, however, all-weather or passable by two-wheel drive vehicles during adverse weather. It would cost an estimated $1.5 million to upgrade that road to a standard that would allow regular usage by the public, emergency vehicles and delivery trucks. In the interim, road crews have hauled and placed more than 3,000 cubic yards of gravel as part of an immediate short-term strategy.
The closure of this bridge and lack of adequate alternate routes have significantly impacted residents in this area. This has interfered with student attendance at local schools, disrupted the regular deliveries of water and propane to tribal households and has overall diminished basic community services. Residents and properties are seeing increased vulnerability due to the extended timeframes required for fire, emergency medical and law enforcement response, creating a condition of extreme peril to life and property. This situation is expected to continue for several months while the bridge work is underway.
On December 7, 2007, Humboldt County proclaimed the existence of a local emergency and ratified that proclamation on December 11, 2007. On December 21, 2007, Humboldt County issued a resolution requesting that I proclaim a state of emergency as a result of this incident, which was granted on December 22, 2007.
On January 9, 2008, the California Department of Transportation transmitted a request for funding to the Federal Highway Administration for the emergency opening and repair of the bridge and any necessary upgrades needed on Dowd Road so that it can be used as a detour during the course of the bridge repair. A response was received by letter dated February 6, 2008. Humboldt County and the Yurok Tribe have undertaken measures to improve Dowd Road to allow for minimal access for vehicles during the winter months. Humboldt County has spent more than $300,000 on materials and labor to improve Dowd Road. Once the current rain and snowstorm-related access is restored, Humboldt County Public Works will resume laying fabric and rock on the roadway and doing ditch-culvert repairs and minor dirt slide removals, with the goal of an all-weather two-wheel-drive access roadway. The Yurok Tribe has also expended a very large and disproportionate percentage of its available roadway improvement funding on Dowd Road, which is currently impassible due to inclement weather. The Tribe has further incurred costs for the purchase of generators, propane fuel and potable water for residents of the Tulley Creek Community. More than half of the 64 residents, including the elderly, medically fragile and children, are considered particularly vulnerable.
By letter dated January 10, 2008, I received through my Office of Emergency Services (OES) a request from the Yurok Tribe for a presidential declaration of major disaster.
In response to this request, representatives of OES, Humboldt County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency conducted a Preliminary Damage Assessment meeting January 25, 2008. At that meeting, representatives discussed emergency needs and impacts resulting from the bridge closure, actions to date and assistance options. Specifically, the county and tribe identified assistance needed for the improvements to Dowd Road and other emergency assistance, including direct federal assistance, to meet the emergency needs of the tribe to protect life and property.
All state and local emergency response resources have been fully utilized to support the emergency operations. I am specifically requesting Public Assistance Category B for Humboldt County and the Yurok Tribe, and direct federal assistance under the Stafford Act for the Yurok Tribe.
I have designated California OES Director Henry Renteria as the state coordinating officer for this request. He is authorized to provide further information or justification on my behalf. The Yurok Tribe has designated Ms. Lebecca Nessier as the Tribal Coordinating Officer for this request.
Please see the enclosed letter dated January 10, 2008, from the Yurok Tribe, which includes certifications and agreements in accordance with the provisions of the Stafford Act.
I further request an extension of the time period for requesting an emergency declaration, in accordance with 44 CFR § 206.35. As demonstrated above, the impacts of this event have evolved in severity as consequent effects of the bridge closure, and were clarified in the Tribe request letter of January 10 and subsequent January 25, 2008, meeting. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
