SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Acting County Executive Ann Edwards signed a Proclamation of Local State of Emergency for Winter Storms. The proclamation is retroactive to Jan. 26, 2021. 

In order to clear the way for state and federal reimbursement for expenses relating to the storm damage, the Board of Supervisors must ratify the proclamation within seven days of the proclamation signing. The ratification item is scheduled for its Feb. 9, 2021 Board meeting.

If the Board ratifies the proclamation, there are further steps before local governments and special districts can be reimbursed. The State must proclaim an emergency to provide California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) reimbur"‹sement and the federal government must declare an emergency to provide Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)"‹ reimbursement.

Sacramento County experienced an atmospheric river comb"‹ined with extremely high winds from Jan. 26-29 that resulted in widespread, prolonged power outages, significant storm debris, emergency calls for services and transportation impacts. 

Sacramento County’s Office of Emergency Services is tasked with collecting damage estimates from County departments, cities within its jurisdiction and special districts (such as SMUD). The initial damage estimate total is $7.3 million for expenses related to vegetation clearing, power restoration and requests for mutual aid. 

Acting County Executive Edwards will return to the Board of Supervisors, at least every sixty days until the emergency is terminated, with a recommendation if there is need to continue the local emergency.