The January storms resulted in widespread damage across Ventura County, prompting Sheriff Jim Fryhoff to sign a Proclamation of Local Emergency. This proclamation was later ratified by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and sent the California Governor requesting his support for the Major Disaster Declaration. Subsequently, and with unanimous support of local congressional delegates, a Major Disaster Declaration was authorized by President Biden, to include Ventura County. This Major Disaster Declaration is key to activating various disaster assistance programs for residents, businesses and public agencies.
As a result of those efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated Public and Individual Assistance for Ventura County. The Public Assistance aid will help local public agencies in completing over $33,000,000 in repairs and clean-up. Individual Assistance may cover expenses for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Eligibility for this program is determined on an individual basis and assistance is provided in the form of grants that do not require repayment.