Mendocino County officials announced this week that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has awarded the county more than $2 million for its wildfire preparedness efforts.
In a news release Friday, county officials reported they received a $2.4 million grant from FEMA (to build resilient infrastructure and communities) and matching funds from a Prepare CA Match grant. The funding is “one of 120 statewide grants (that will be used) to address wildfire risk in the Sherwood Corridor and improve the county’s wildfire preparedness and resilience.”
County officials also stated that the funding, which was “approved on August 5, 2024, represents the first phase of a multi-phase, $50 million project to create defensible space, reduce hazardous fuels, and retrofit homes with ignition-resistant materials. Initial efforts will focus on planning, including LiDar mapping, fuel treatment plans, community outreach, and obtaining necessary environmental permits, with this phase expected to continue through 2026.”
Supervisor John Haschak is quoted as saying, “A critical step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect Mendocino County from the devastating impacts of wildfires. We deeply thank our partners and funding organizations for their support and confidence in our vision. Together, we will build a safer, more resilient community.”
County officials also noted that “the Mendocino County Administrative Office’s Prevention, Recovery, Resilience and Mitigation Division is committed to keeping the community informed of the progress of the Wildfire Community Resilience Project. Transparency and community engagement are critical to the success of the project, and residents are encouraged to attend upcoming community meetings and forums.”
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