California Construction News staff writer
President Donald Trump visited Los Angeles late last week, to survey areas destroyed by firestorms.
“The federal government is standing behind you. 100 percent,” Trump said. “ I’ve had so many calls from developers, and they want to come in…I would ask the local officials, because we’re going to waive just about all federal permits. We’re going to have you go very quickly, because the federal permit can take 10 years. We’re not going to do that. We don’t want to take 10 days.
Trump said that he will declare the L.A. fires a national emergency, which will speed up the process of delivering aid and rebuilding.
“By doing that, I can give you immediate permits,” Trump said. “I’d ask that the local permitting process be the same. Some of the people were saying they’re going to have to, they’re going to be forced to wait 18 months for their permits. And I don’t think you’re going to do that. I can’t imagine that. So they are literally in a position right now. They’d like to start tonight.”
Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the President to California, asking for support for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Just as President Trump supported California during the pandemic, we will work together again for firestorm survivors and communities across Los Angeles who deserve all the help they can get from federal, state and local governments,” Newsom said. “While we work on recovery, we’re also deploying crews across the region to protect against potential mudslides from the rains expected this weekend. We’re not out of the woods but the people of Los Angeles should know we’re not leaving your side.”
The state has began prepositioning flood resources and conducting educational outreach to local communities earlier this week. DWR has 10 flood fight material stockpiles located in Southern California with materials at the ready to deploy 5,650 super sacks, 271,000 burlap sandbags, 777 plastic sheeting rolls, 17,790 wood stakes, among other items.
More than 400 members from the California Conservation Corps will be working on watershed protection at firestorm burn scar areas to place silt fencing, straw wattles, and compost socks to act as physical barriers to filter contaminants found in rainwater runoff. In addition, over 80 California National Guard service members from the 649th Engineering Company are working 24-hour operations at the Sierra Madre Villa debris basin to protect communities from potential mudslides. They are directly supporting LA County Department of Public Works and DWR.
The president visited as Newsom issued an executive orders to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.
Also, the governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas.
Restrictions have also been expanded to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.
More than $2.5 billion has been announced to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers.
