California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged Congress to approve nearly $40 billion in federal aid to assist Los Angeles in recovering from January’s catastrophic wildfires, which he warned could become the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history.
In a letter sent Friday, Newsom called on lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), to back the request.
“Los Angeles is one of the most economically productive places on the globe, but it can only rebound and flourish with support from the federal government as it recovers from this unprecedented disaster,” Newsom wrote.
Economic losses from the firestorm are projected to exceed $250 billion, with real estate damages from the Palisades and Eaton fires alone estimated to surpass $30 billion, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis. The fires devastated Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, and Altadena, destroying more than 16,200 structures.
Newsom emphasized that the funds would be allocated to rebuilding homes, infrastructure, businesses, schools, churches, and health care facilities while aiding affected residents.
“Make no mistake, Los Angeles will use this money wisely,” Newsom stated.
Source: Swifteradio.com
