To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Michael Gossman, 565-2341
Vote Requirement: Informational Only
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Recovery Update
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Recommended Actions:
Recommended action
Receive an update on the status of recovery operations, planning and seeking of funding opportunities following the October 2017 Sonoma Complex Fires and the 2019 Winter Storm Events.
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Executive Summary:
Office of Recovery and Resiliency staff provides the Board regular updates on disaster recovery efforts, including building permits; external funding and grant efforts; and relevant legislation. Starting in July 2019, these updates occur on a monthly basis on the Board’s agenda.
Discussion:
In an effort to keep the Board and community informed about the County’s recovery efforts, the Office prepares a standing agenda item, typically included on the consent calendar. This now monthly update includes information on: Ongoing Recovery Efforts; Housing; Recovery Related External Funding Opportunities; and other items of interest. In addition to the standing agenda item, the Office will be presenting quarterly updates to the Board on the status of the implementation of the Recovery and Resiliency Framework. The quarterly updates are scheduled for the following Board meetings this calendar year: April 16, July 9 (each already held), and November 5, 2019.
Urban Land Institute Resiliency Advisory Panel
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has identified Sonoma County for participation in its advisory services program. Through the sponsorship of the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), ULI will assemble a Resilience Advisory Panel for Sonoma County with the goal of assessing community preparedness and wildfire resilience in relation to land use and development strategy and our local energy grid. Given current climate conditions, it is recognized that wildfires will continue to be a key risk for Sonoma County. Wildfire and de-energization pose continued threats to human health and safety.
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a nonprofit research and education organization founded in 1936 with more than 40,000 members worldwide. The membership represents both public service and private enterprise professionals. ULI offers Advisory Services Panels to help communities find strategic, practical solutions for specific land use or real estate issues. These panels convene in a one-week effort and provide expert, independent input from national real estate, land use, design, and planning experts from the ULI membership. The panelists are selected by ULI from volunteers from within the ULI membership based on the needs of each assignment.
To build on the Recovery and Resiliency Framework’s implementation goals to increasing the County's resilience to future wildfire events, as well as the efforts of the Energy and Sustainability Division, the RCPA, Sonoma Clean Power, and ULI will host a Resiliency Advisory Panel workshop in early December.
The Resilience Advisory Panel will focus on developing resilient strategies for energy reliability and security as part of Sonoma County's Recovery and Resiliency Framework. The Resiliency Advisory Panel will explore how Sonoma County can build from current initiatives to mitigate risks from future wildfires, how Sonoma County can advance energy grid resilience and improve reliability during future extreme heat events and wildfires, what role land use and development policies play in enhancing wildfire resilience, and the impacts of home hardening, energy storage and other resilience strategies to mitigate fire risk and increase energy independence.
In the first half of 2020, ULI will complete a summary report of their findings and recommendations. Much of the funding for this work is being provided by the Kresge Foundation. The County and the City of Santa Rosa will each provide $25,000 and will actively participate with RCPA in this effort. During the ULI Resilience Advisory Panel workshop, Board of Supervisors will have one-on-one interviews scheduled during the week the Panel is convened in early December.
2017 Sonoma Complex Fires
1. Housing
A. Resiliency Permit Center
Permit Sonoma established a Resiliency Permit Center providing expedited comprehensive permitting and inspection services for those who lost homes in the fires and their representatives dealing with reconstruction of approximately 3,000 residential structures destroyed or damaged by the Sonoma Complex Fire. Services at the Resiliency Permit Center began February 13, 2018. In 2019, the Resiliency Permit Center will also provide, free of charge, a general review of bid proposals to fire survivors to help them determine where scope and pricing are appropriate.
B. Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) Financing Expansion: Fire Hardening and Seismic
Currently, the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) finances improvements that can make a home more fire hardened as long as those improvements meet the Program’s energy requirements (e.g. roofing, siding, windows and air sealing). In addition, SCEIP is authorized for water conservation improvements.
On July 23, 2019, your Board approved expanding the Program to include seismic and wildfire safety improvements throughout the County. The remaining process is expected to take another three to four months to complete and allow the County to begin offering wildfire and seismic financing through SCEIP.
Staff from General Services - Energy and Sustainability, ORR, and Permit Sonoma are working together to plan a coordinated multi-channel marketing effort to ensure residents are aware of the grant opportunity and financing option available to them to make these improvements.
C. Rebuilding Permits
1. As of September 10, 2019, the County had 1,045 building permits for homes issued, 86 applications in the permit review process, and 219 homes constructed. There are 1,350 rebuild homes currently submitted, issued, or finished in the unincorporated County. The figures indicate housing unit counts.
For the latest numbers, go to: <http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Performance-Data/Rebuilding-Permits-Data/>
2. As of September 10, 2019, the City of Santa Rosa had 1,328 building permits for homes issued, 128 applications in the permit review process; and 647 homes constructed. There are 2,103 rebuild homes currently submitted, issued, or finished in the City. The figures indicate housing unit counts.
For latest numbers, go to: <https://www.srcity.org/2675/Rebuilding>
3. As of September 10, 2019, the combined County and City permit departments had 2,373 building permits issued; 214 permits were in the combined permit review process; and a combined 866 homes have finished construction. In total, there have been 3,453 rebuild homes, or 67% of the homes lost in the fires, that are somewhere in the rebuilding process either by submitting for a permit, having had a permit issued, or have already finished construction. 16.8% of the homes have finished. The figures indicate housing unit counts.
See attachment: Permit Report 9-10-19
D. Defensible Space/Hazardous Fuels Reduction Report
1. Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division, in coordination with Cal Fire and several local Fire Districts, are in the midst of conducting seasonal outreach, education, and inspections for compliance with defensible space/hazardous fuels reduction regulations, and will perform abatement as necessary. Additional details about the County’s program are accessible online at: <https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Fire-Prevention/Vegetation-Management-Services/Hazardous-Vegetation/>
2. As of August 29, 2019, Sonoma County staff and contracted inspectors from several local Fire Districts have conducted a total of 2,011 inspections (1,566 on improved parcels and 445 on parcels without improvements). The compliance rate relative to County Ordinance was 42.3% for improved parcels and 48.1% for unimproved parcels.
3. In addition to the outreach, inspections, and enforcement program, the countywide free chipper service is also ongoing. There have been 244 chipper jobs completed by crews and 35 jobs completed by owner to-date.
Additional details about the program, including guidelines and application forms, are accessible online at: <https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Fire-Prevention/Vegetation-Management-Services/Curbside-Chipper-Program/>
Demand has grown well beyond prior years, and the number of jobs completed by crews will continue to accelerate as a result of recent hiring success, improved equipment availability, and contracting with the North Bay Conservation Corps.
E. Sonoma Ready Day
Sonoma Ready Day was held on Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event offered emergency resources, demonstrations, short lectures, emergency vehicle displays and tools to educate and empower community members to withstand and recover from emergencies.
5,000 people participated in the event and 1,900 of the 2,400 “go bags” were distributed in the first 1 ½ hours. The remaining 500 bags were held for those who had coupons until 2:00 PM when the balance of bags were distributed. 67 resource tables were available and the public remained throughout the whole event. Many of the agencies had to restock their informational materials mid-day.
Emergency response vehicles, including helicopters, lined the green outside the two event halls. The vehicles were popular with the kids throughout the day. Topical speakers in both English and Spanish were provided information talks throughout the event.
There was excellent media coverage. The media that was present included KNTV (NBC), KPIX (CBS) Channel 5, KDTV Univision, KRCB, KCBS, and the Press Democrat. Additionally, two radio stations were broadcasting live (Krush and Exitos) from the event.
The event page is still available at: <https://socoemergency.org/home/prepare/sonoma-ready-day/>
F. Future Community Preparedness Outreach Programs
In support of the County’s Community Preparedness Outreach Plan and building upon the success of Sonoma Ready Day, the Department of Emergency Management is considering a programmed series of preparedness engagement events to allow public participation both regionally and locally.
Although the ‘wow’ factor of a regional event excites the media and draws large numbers, such an event prioritizes those who have capacity to travel and might not take full advantage of the combined efforts of local groups. Alternating the type of preparedness events, and the target audience, engages diverse population segments within the County. Local groups are presented an opportunity to build local networks and develop group capacities through both working to organize events as well as develop new interested members.
Five Regional Preparedness Events are being considered for 2020. The intention is to publicize the five events as a series, create a format the public is able to join in locally, and ensure there is local community groups engagement in the event.
2. Recovery-Related External Funding Opportunities: Federal Funding In Process
A. FEMA PA Appeal
The October 2017 wildfires caused damage to curbs, gutters, sidewalks, asphalt roads, a storm drain, and a timber retaining wall. Sonoma County requested funding for repairs to these facilities, as well as to 51 damaged asphalt sites in the Mark West/Larkfield area on county roads. FEMA initially denied funding for the repairs relating to the sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drain and retaining wall totaling $126,525. Sonoma County appealed FEMA's denial of the repairs. On May 24, 2019, Cal-OES informed the County, via letter, FEMA approved the appeal for $126,525 which means the County will be receiving the funds to make the repairs.
Additionally, Sonoma County has identified damage to county roads resulting from the Private Property Debris Removal operations that were conducted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers at FEMA's request. FEMA has not yet made a determination on the remaining $18,512,123 in requested funding for the 32 roads damaged by debris removal trucks.
After Transportation and Public Works (TPW) staff inquired about reimbursement for Private Property Debris Removal damaged roads, FEMA and CalOES project managers requested documentation to support the damages. TPW subsequently provided engineering estimates that included type of treatment needed and materials. Site visits were conducted with FEMA representatives, and before and after photos of each site were provided for reference.
To date, TPW has not received an official determination for this project, though FEMA and CalOES representatives have since indicated these types of damages do not typically qualify for public assistance. FEMA has advised a determination regarding the 32 roads will be issued separately.
B. FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP Fire Grants)
Through ongoing coordination of the Grant Steering Committee, 28 applications for federal HMGP Fire Grants funding were approved by the Board of Supervisors for submittal with a total estimated project cost of $47.7 million. The 28 applications were combined into 25 proposals to create efficiency and reduce overhead by bundling like projects together where possible. On July 5, 2019, three additional projects were submitted to CalOES. These applications have co-equal goals of implementing activities in the Recovery and Resiliency Framework and meeting County leadership priorities.
On July 5, 2019, three departments submitted new HMGP proposals for CalOES to review. These projects had previously been in the Notice of Intent (NOI) phase. The three new projects are (1) Critical Facility Power Retrofit through ISD (total project: $100,000, (2) Fuels Reduction through Permit Sonoma (total project: $6 million), and (3) Radio Disaster Alert Devices for Vulnerable Populations through Emergency Management (total project: $44,000).
Of the 28 applications submitted, 13 have been recommended by CalOES for full FEMA funding, nine are still in the CalOES review process, one has been waitlisted, which is akin to being put on hold until additional funds become available, and five have been approved by FEMA.
The five approved HMGP Fire Grants are:
1. On August 28, 2019, FEMA approved and issued Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for the Transportation and Public Works Department Generator Installation at Road Maintenance Yard. The total eligible costs are $248,988 with a 75 percent federal share or $186,741.
2. On August 15, 2019, FEMA approved and issued Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for Permit Sonoma for the Sonoma County Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update. The total eligible costs are $333,333 with a 75 percent federal share or $250,000.
3. On August 15, 2019, FEMA approved and issued Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for Permit Sonoma for the County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update. The total eligible costs are $150,000 with a 75 percent federal share or $112,500.
4. On June 24, 2019, FEMA approved and issued Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for the Sonoma County Water Agency Ely Booster Station Structural Retrofit. The total eligible costs are $3,075,823 with a 75 percent federal share or $2,306,867.
5. On September 27, 2018, FEMA approved and issued Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for the Sonoma County Water Agency Russian River County Sanitation District Secondary Treatment Clarifiers Seismic Rehabilitation and Retrofit. The total eligible costs are $2,984,536 with a 75 percent federal share or $2,238,402.
For the remaining applications, the next steps are for FEMA to conclude its review of the CalOES recommendation and to provide notification to the County of their decisions. Federal Award notifications are anticipated no later than October 2019, but could happen sooner based upon the timeliness of federal review.
The FEMA review process happens in three steps:
1. FEMA reviews CalOES recommendations;
2. FEMA conducts its Environmental and Historic Preservation review to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); and
3. FEMA makes the final funding recommendation to CalOES.
Clearance documents for NEPA compliance will take a minimum of 60-days for FEMA to complete.
C. Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery
Announcement of $212 Million: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on April 10, 2018, that California would be receiving $212 million to support long-term disaster recovery through the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, including $124 million for unmet disaster recovery needs, and $88 million for preparedness and mitigation. The Federal Register governing the $124 million portion for unmet disaster recovery needs was issued on August 20, 2018. On July 11, 2019, HCD received word from HUD that California's final approval for the $124 million portion for unmet disaster recovery has been granted by HUD.
Action Plan: on March 15, 2019, HUD approved the Action Plan for the $124 million portion for unmet disaster recovery needs as submitted by California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), who is the Grantee and receiver of the funds. Based on the July 11, 2019 notice, HCD is anticipating HUD sending the State’s grant agreement in the near future. HUD has also encouraged HCD to revisit the unmet needs assessment in the Action Plan as new data becomes available and recovery progresses throughout the life cycle of the grant.
The Action Plan details the proposed use of all funds. HCD’s proposed Action Plan includes a budget of $47.6 million for an owner-occupied housing program, $66.7 million for a multifamily housing program, $3.5 million for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) match program, and $6.2 million for administration.
The owner-occupied program is proposed to be a Statewide program by HCD. HCD will release a Survey to help finalize the owner-occupied program prior to opening up the application process. HCD anticipates having the homeowner survey for the Homeowner Rehab/Reconstruction program to be sent out and available online in October, with full grant applications being accepted in December or January. The webpage and program interface, once developed, will be available at www.ReCoverCA.org <http://www.ReCoverCA.org>.
The multi-family program awards sub-grant funds to the impacted local jurisdictions. Multi-family program funds are allocated proportionate to the number of Low and Moderate Income renters (those with incomes below 80% of the Area Median Income) within the disaster-affected areas of each jurisdiction. In HCD’s Action Plan, Sonoma County received an allocation of $4,698,809 and the City of Santa Rosa received $38,469,772. Once HCD publishes program guidelines, the Community Development Commission will use these to inform a proposed process for selecting projects - likely via a Notice of Funding Availability. The Board of Supervisors will make the final determination of what local requirements will be, and for making the final selection of developments to be submitted to HCD for eligibility and compliance review. Community Development staff will be responsible for ensuring compliance with HCD and HUD requirements for use of these funds.
Status of $88 Million for Preparedness and Mitigation Funding: on August 30, 2019, HUD published the CDGB-MIT rules in the Federal Register in order to begin the funding cycle. HUD designated the State of California as the CDGB-MIT grantee and a new Action Plan for CDGB-MIT will be required by April 6, 2020 from the State. The HUD CDGB-MIT rules are similar to the FEMA HGMP rules but the State will have the opportunity to further direct funding through the development of the State’s CDGB-MIT Action Plan.
The County and CDC will work through the State of California to understand the grant’s and State’s priorities. This will allow two-way communication early in the process. The County and CDC will also coordinate with the City of Santa Rosa, as appropriate, throughout the process.
The County Administrator’s Office has worked with Congressman Mike Thompson’s Office to advocate to the United States Senate through U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein to include an additional $11.1 million in CDBG-DR monies for the State of California.
D. Other Grant Opportunities
Cal OES forwarded a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2019 Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant programs. NOIs are due on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. These are national grant programs that help states, tribal governments, territories and local communities be more prepared for disasters.
The 2019 Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grant program provides resources to implement a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program similar to other Federal Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs. This will help to plan for and implement/sustain cost-effective measures designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from natural hazards, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding from future disasters. The PDM grant program has set aside $250 million nationwide, and funds will be distributed on a competitive basis to all eligible applicants.
The 2019 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program provides resources to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insurable under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FMA will prioritize $70 million of the $160 million available under FMA for community flood mitigation projects and FMA advance assistance (mitigation). The remaining $90 million will be available for other FMA priorities such as addressing Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) and Repetitive Loss (RL) properties.
The County is still developing the list of projects to submit through the Notice of Intent (NOI) process with CalOES. Final NOI submittals are due September 18, 2019. Possible submittals being considered include:
1. Cavedale and Trinity Roads Fuels Management in County Road Right of Way to reduce brush and tree fuels along Trinity and Cavedale Roads within the County road right of way.
2. Rio Nido Drainage Study: study drainage issues in Rio Nido and develop a plan to reduce flooding.
3. Villa Grande Drainage Study: study drainage issues in Villa Grande and develop a plan to reduce flooding.
4. Drainage Repair to Save Canyon Road: repair Canyon Road drainage system to prevent loss of road in storm event.
2019 Winter Storms and Flooding Update Summary
A. Flood Overview
On February 26, 2019, Sonoma County Supervisors declared a Local Emergency as powerful winter storms battered the county. On February 28, 2019, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency for Sonoma County. On April 13, 2019, Governor Newsom requested a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for the two atmospheric river storm systems that struck California in February 2019, including the County of Sonoma.
On May 17, 2019, the President declared a Federal Disaster for the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides for 16 counties in California, including Sonoma County, for the incident period of February 24 to March 1, 2019. This Federal Declaration is for FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
Sonoma County’s Health Officer declared a local health emergency on March 5, 2019 due to the scale of household hazardous waste scattered along waterways, roadsides, and on public and private properties after flooding.
At the March 7, 2019 Special Meeting, your Board ratified the County Health Officer’s proclamation of local health emergency due to the presence of significant household hazardous waste in the flood zone that requires proper disposal.
1. Damages
Damage assessments estimated over $150 million in countywide flood damages. Thirty-one structures received red tags, which means that the structure is damaged and poses an imminent threat to life or safety under expected loads or other unsafe conditions, while 527 structures received yellow tags, which means inspectors determined that there is some risk from damage to the structure. Damage estimates also include approximately $4 million in physical agriculture damage.
Permit Sonoma does not change the Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment tag status when the safety issue is addressed via permitted work or otherwise. The Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment tag represents the safety of that structure the moment it was evaluated and posted per CAL OES Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment guidelines.
As of August 7, 2019, Permit Sonoma reported 232 permits have been pulled on parcels identified as impacted by the 2019 Winter Storm and Flooding event to make needed repairs. The permits cover a range of repairs, with the most common being electrical, sheetrock, insulation, and plumbing repairs common with such events.
In addition to private property damage, there are at least $30.4 million in damages to public property including debris removal, emergency protective measures, non-federal road and bridge systems, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities, and park and recreational facilities.
The County experienced significant road damage on several sites that require exigent work to open or maintain the road as passable due to the importance of the routes. Transportation and Public Works (TPW) has estimated that the temporary repair work is of significant cost.
A sample of site locations of the temporary repairs are:
1. King Ridge Road - multiple locations, roadway slip (cost estimates are still being developed).
2. Mays Canyon Road - bridge approach failure (estimated repairs: $200,000).
3. Geysers Road in Cloverdale - multiple locations roadway slip (cost estimates are still being developed).
Further, TPW is reviewing sites that will require temporary repairs, including on King Ridge Road, Bohemian Highway, Moscow Road, Old Cazadero Road, and Coleman Valley Road. We are working with FEMA to accelerate this process in order to perform temporary repairs by next winter. In addition, there are related FHWA projects, including Eastside Road, Main Street in Monte Rio, Stewarts Point / Skaggs Springs Road, and Clark’s Crossing bridge on Annapolis Road.
Team members met on July 12 and 15, 2019 with representatives of FEMA and the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for a scoping meeting to review all aspects of project planning. Some of the 110 original sites were combined in an effort to categorize them, for a revised total of 56 sites. State and Federal agency partners performed site visits to assist the scoping efforts in August.
2. Debris Collection
At the March 7, 2019 Special Meeting, your Board voted to direct staff to offer curbside debris collection to assist Russian River communities with the significant amount of waste created by the flood disaster at no cost to residents. This was in response to the health and environmental risk posed by flood debris accumulating in streets, parking lots and in other public areas.
The County collected roughly 4,000 tons of debris from March 1, 2019 through March 29, 2019.
As of August 26, 2019, the Recology bill is $1,952,529, subject to minor line item revisions. The estimated monitoring bill from 4Leaf is $71,940 for a total of $2,024,469 before contingency (up to a 20% contingency has been presumed). Contingency includes items such as traffic control, county staff time (drivers, field supervisors), signs, and accounting and record keeping. Transportation and Public Works (TPW) contingency costs are currently estimated at $76,423, while non-TPW contingency costs are currently estimated at $158,208. Total contingency costs are currently estimated at $234,630, an amount that is within the 20% contingency estimate.
Following the debris program, Permit Sonoma sent out four teams of Code Enforcement Officers and only three properties received warnings for minor infractions. Code Enforcement sent a team out less than a week later and all three properties had fully addressed the violations.
On March 6, 2019, Sonoma County requested California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) funds for private property debris removal because of damages sustained during the event. Governor Newsom has authorized CDAA (CDAA-2019-01-06) for Sonoma County who will perform the debris removal from the public rights-of-way and request reimbursement from Cal OES for the eligible activities at a 75% State/25% County percent cost share.
The May 17, 2019 Federal Declaration provides for both FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). FEMA Public Assistance provides assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
On June 6, 2019, FEMA provided a FEMA PA Applicant’s Briefing. FEMA held a Scoping Meeting on July 12, 2019 where the County officially gave FEMA the County’s preliminary List of Projects. The County will work with FEMA to build and finalize the List of Projects over a 60-day period. As of July 12, 2019, the preliminary estimates of the overall claim are $30.4 million.
With FEMA PA, the target cost reimbursement/contribution percentages are 75% Federal, 18.75% State, and 6.25% County. Based on these percentages and the preliminary estimate of $30.4 million, the cost reimbursement/contribution would be $22,800,000 Federal, $5,700,000 State, and $1,900,000 County.
Immediate response costs totaling $2.5 million were programmed on March 12, 2019. This includes a $625,000 match and $1,875,000 of State disaster aid. Funding for the match includes $125,000 of contingencies, $250,000 from the Reinvestment and Revitalization Fund, and $250,000 from the Transportation and Public Works Special Concessions Fund.
Transportation and Public Works identified available funds which included $2.5 million from the Former Rural Landfill fund for the solid waste cleanup and $1.3 million from the Roads fund for costs associated with emergency road opening. The final funding request was based on project finalization and development and programmed as part of the FY 2018-19 3rd Quarter Consolidated Adjustments budget.
As of July 16, 2019, the County has received no Federal or State funds. Best estimates are that it may be the end of 2019 or beginning of 2020 before the County receives the funds. Further, the initial match requirements were calculated based on initial costs estimates and the assumption that a federal disaster would not be declared, which affects match levels. Any unneeded or excess local match components will be returned proportionally to the funds from which the match was provided when reimbursements are received.
Additionally, Notices of Intent (NOI) for the DR-4434 2019 Winter Storms and Floods Hazard Mitigation Grant Program have been requested by CalOES by August 9, 2019. Submission of an NOI is the first step in the HMGP application approval process. Six departments and agencies submitted 14 HMGP proposals for CalOES to review.
The NOI projects submitted includes:
1. “Structural Seismic Risk and Vulnerability Assessment” through Permit Sonoma;
2. “Russian River Flood Risk and Vulnerability Assessment” through Permit Sonoma;
3. “Landslide Stabilization to Save Westside Avenue” through Transportation and Public Works;
4. “Generator for the Annapolis Yard” through Transportation and Public Works;
5. “Generator for the Forestville Yard” through Transportation and Public Works;
6. “Geyserville Drainage Feasibility Plan” through Transportation and Public works;
7. “Mobile Energy Program” through Department of Emergency Management;
8. “Russian River County Sanitation District Pipeline Crossing Vulnerability Assessment” through Sonoma Water;
9. “Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District LHMP Update” through Sonoma Water;
10. “Russian River County Sanitation District Lift Station Electrical Resiliency Project” through Sonoma Water;
11. “Sonoma County Flood Elevation Program” through the Community Development Commission;
12. “Critical Facility Redundant Telecommunications Feed” through the Information Systems Department;
13. “Hardening of Wireless Communication Infrastructure” through the Information Systems Department;
14. “Critical Facility Redundant Power Feed” through the Information Systems Department.
B. Assistance for Residents and Businesses Impacted by Flood
1. Local Assistance Center/Recovery Center
The Local Assistance Center/Recovery Center was opened in Guerneville by the Office of Recovery and Resiliency on Sunday, March 3, 2019 and closed on Saturday, March 9, 2019. The LAC served a total of 886 individuals with 1,995 total services provide by all agencies.
2. Loans
The Economic Development Board is helping local businesses impacted by the 2019 winter storms and floods to recover by providing support to access a number of loan programs and resources.
Nor-Cal Financial Development Corporation (FDC)
Nor-Cal Financial Development Corporation (FDC) is offering three loan opportunities for small businesses who incurred damages from the floods. Opportunities include:
• Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program, which offers up to $1.25 million in loans to repair or replace property, inventory, supplies, and equipment, or to relocate the businesses. Interest rates for these loans are less than 9% and are negotiated with lender for up to 7-year terms. This is offered through a partnership with IBank.
• Jump Start Loan Program, which offers up to $10,000 in quick microloans for small businesses to meet their obligations and pay their necessary operating expenses, as well as general start-up expenses. Interest rates are less than 9% with 5-year terms.
• Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, which offers up to $20 million in loans with a maximum loan guarantee of $2.5 million or up to 80% of the loan with 0- to 7-year terms.
California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank)
The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) is providing two loans. Opportunities include:
• Industrial Development Bond Financing Program is available for all manufacturing or processing businesses and offers up to $1 million to $10 million in low-cost, low-interest loans for manufacturing companies to be used for land acquisition, building construction, building renovation, or equipment purchasing.
• Farm Loan Program is available for owners or operators of family farms and vineyards who are otherwise unable to secure a loan without a guarantee. This program provides up to $1.4 million in low-interest loans for operation and production expenses, including repair or construction of buildings and storage facilities; purchase of equipment, livestock, seed, or fertilizer; soil and water conservation; or refinancing debt.
In addition, Working Solutions offers the North Bay Emergency Relief Loan Program, providing up to $50,000 in loans to pay for obligations and operating expenses, as well as replacement/repair of equipment, inventory, or property. Working Solutions is a certified nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that supports San Francisco Bay Area entrepreneurs to start and grow local businesses.
Since the floods, Nor-Cal FDC has helped connect four businesses with possible financing to be guaranteed by the state Disaster Loan Guarantee Program. Working Solutions is also assisting five businesses for possible direct loan assistance as well as giving existing loan clients a forbearance on their payments.
For additional information about loans and other resources for local businesses, go to <http://sonomaedb.org/Business-Assistance/Flood-Recovery-Business-Resources/>
SBA Flood Loan Program For Businesses and Residents
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses and residents affected by winter storms and flooding that began on Feb. 25, 2019. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Governor Gavin Newsom on March 14, 2019. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties.
According to SBA, low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster.
From March 25, 2019 to April 12, 2019, SBA operated a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at the former Bank of America building in Guerneville. Representatives were on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application.
Individuals and businesses were able to apply for property damage loans until May 20, 2019. The deadline to apply for economic injury is December 23, 2019. Applicants may still apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at <https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela>. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, as well as by e-mail at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov <mailto:disastercustomerservice@sba.gov> for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
As of September 6, 2019, SBA Disaster loans received for CA 15894 were 58 Home loan applications received and 24 approved for a total of $1,290,800 and 33 Business loan applications received and 7 approved for a total of $1,327,000. Combined, $2,617,800 in SBA loans have been approved for the Winter Storms and Flooding event.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.063 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
3. HOPE Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program Grant
The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, known locally as California HOPE, is administered in Sonoma County through the County Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Division. California HOPE counselors continue to see a need for counseling services and emotional support. From January through March, 2019, California HOPE counselors provided 11,158 services and counseling sessions to community members (this data contains duplicate individuals).
The California HOPE program helps individuals and communities recover from natural and human-caused disasters through community outreach, counseling, and access to mental health services for survivors of these disasters. Counselors are available to meet people wherever they are to provide crisis counseling, resource navigation, and disaster recovery education. Counselors specialize in helping survivors understand their current reactions, reduce stress, receive emotional support, prioritize their needs and solve problems, choose coping strategies, and connect with people and agencies who can help. Bilingual counselors are available.
Following the winter floods, California HOPE counselors with West County Community Services have been focusing on serving individuals impacted. Including holding Mind-Body wellness groups in Guerneville and reaching out to assist individuals in North County through listening sessions as well. Other California HOPE counselors with these counselors also held family workshops in Spanish and created and distributed emergency preparedness “go-bags” for seniors. California HOPE counselors with Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire continue to work collaboratively with the Santa Rosa City Schools to support students and teachers. Counselors with Petaluma People Services have established support groups at Sonoma Valley High School and have started a bilingual Mind-Body support group for the Sonoma area. These counselors are also running support groups in Petaluma’s elementary schools.
This program is funded from a variety of sources. The initial recovery work was supported by short-term disaster relief grants from FEMA for $4.3M. The California HOPE funding from FEMA, as well as a supplemental $1 million from Kaiser Permanente, which was extended from an ending date of June 30, 2019 to allow the use of the remaining grant funds ($480,000). However, the Department of Health Services has recently been informed they will receive an additional $1 million from the State which will be used to re-start the HOPE program and also fund a suicide prevention campaign.
Sonoma County Department of Health Services has been planning for this transition since January. There are three main groups who are providing on-going support in the community, specific to the Wildfires. They are the Sonoma Community Resilience Collaborative, the Wildfire Mental Health Collaborative, and Rebuild Our Community: Sonoma County Resource Center. The Sonoma Community Resilience Collaborative has been working for almost a year now training providers and starting treatment groups to support fire survivors. Many County staff have cross-trained in this program. The Wildfire Mental Health Collaborative has set up a network of therapists to assist in longer-term treatment and recovery. ROC Sonoma County has an active resource center providing services and connection to Disaster Case Management.
Prior Board Actions:
Regular Recovery Updates have been provided to your Board since November 2017.
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Attachments:
1. Permit Report 9-10-19
2. Winter Storms and Flooding FEMA PA Overall Project Map TPW 7-17-19
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: