COUNTY WILL GET FLOOD RECOVERY FUNDING FROM STATE

Money will help repair public infrastructure

The county of San Diego will qualify for much-needed state relief money to help fund repairs to public infrastructure damaged by floodwaters last week, officials said Saturday.

A devastating storm Monday flooded hundreds of homes and businesses across the region, but it’s still unclear exactly how much damage was caused. Although the scope of the damage is still being calculated, county officials said at least $61 million in infrastructure damage and emergency costs have been reported so far.

The county could recoup 75 percent of that figure from the state — funding that could be spent on emergency response costs and the repair of facilities such as flood control channels, sinkholes and culverts in any jurisdiction countywide.

Board Chair Nora Vargas got news of the funding on Saturday, and expressed her gratitude to the state.

“This support will play a critical role in the road to recovery ahead across the County,” Vargas said in a statement. “Collaboration like this demonstrates the strength and impact between state and local municipalities. As we pivot to recovery, I remain committed to bringing resources to our community.”

While the funding is sorely needed, it won’t support the many residents and business owners who are grappling with tens of thousands of dollars in damage caused by Monday’s flooding.

To help secure relief for those people, county officials are encouraging residents and businesses to fill out a voluntary damage assessment survey. While the form doesn’t guarantee someone will receive assistance, it will help the region quantify just how much damage the storm caused, which will help officials secure funding from the federal government.

As of Sunday evening, nearly 2,600 people had filled the survey out.

Those who need stormrelated assistance can also access support and resources at the County Local Assistance Center, which will run at the Spring Valley Library this week, today through Wednesday. The center will serve as a onestop shop for people who need information about recovering. It will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.