(PARADISE, CA) – Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R – Richvale) announced three Disaster Recovery Infrastructure Program grants from funds he successfully included in Federal disaster legislation in 2018 and 2019, which were signed into law by President Trump. The funds appropriated were delivered to the State of California to be used under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The Town of Paradise received $199,592,735.75, Butte County received $72,722,697.61, and the City of Chico received $12,388,409.65. These funds are not tied to any specific project and can be used to fund recovery and infrastructure projects chosen in accordance with eligible uses, included but not limited to roads and bridges, water control facilities, public utilities, and fire mitigation. Congressman LaMalfa’s district received 98% of all Congressionally authorized disaster recovery awards of this type.
“I am very pleased to see the money I helped to allocate arrive to help our region recover from the devastating fires we faced. These funds are critical to help Paradise, Butte County, and Chico, rebuild the destruction and improve their infrastructure to prevent future wildfire damage. I will continue partnering with our local governments in the North State to clear up federal roadblocks, ensure our taxpayer dollars are used wisely to complete projects, and help our beleaguered citizens recovery,” said Congressman LaMalfa.
“The City of Chico, as the major adjoining community to Paradise, has continued to play a critical role in the region’s recovery including providing requisite housing and supporting a myriad of disaster recovery operations. The impact of the population growth, and increased traffic has put a strain on many aspects of the City’s infrastructure. The City is honored to receive a nearly $12.4 million-dollar allocation for infrastructure recovery,” said Andrew Coolidge, Mayor of the City of Chico.
“We feel so honored to receive this funding from HCD, and from Congress. There is so much work still to be done in Paradise, and this will help us accomplish it,” said Steve Crowder, Paradise Mayor.
“Nearly four years ago, Butte County experienced the deadliest fire in California history. We have made great progress in our recovery efforts leading up to this point, and this funding will allow us to continue that progress at a level we would not otherwise be able to accomplish. We are grateful for this award, and look forward to continued progress in our ongoing recovery efforts,” said Bill Connelly, Chair of the Butte County Board of Supervisors.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
