FEMA OKs major disaster declaration for California

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is making federal disaster assistance available to the state of California to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires this week.

Federal funding is available to eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Sonoma and Yuba counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Government and nonprofit relief agencies may contact FEMA for information on receiving assistance. Applicant briefings will be held in affected areas.

William Roche has been named as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Roche said additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.