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Adopt a resolution ratifying and continuing a Proclamation of Local Emergency due to damages to levee infrastructure caused by King Tides and December 2024 Winter Storms
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office/Office of Emergency Services recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution ratifying a proclamation of local emergency issued by the Director of Emergency Services, December 21, 2024, in response to significant damage to levee infrastructure caused by King Tides and severe weather events.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Solano County experienced King Tides from December 13-15, 2024, resulting in higher than average water levels, combined with a significant wind and precipitation event from December 13-16, 2024. The storm produced 2.27 inches of rain and peak wind gusts of 54 miles per hour, causing extensive damage to levee infrastructure within the Suisun Marsh and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region of the County. The damages include levee slips, seepage, erosion, wave wash, cracks, and breaches.
On December 21, 2024, the Assistant County Administrator, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, signed a Proclamation of Local Emergency under Government Code section 8630 and Solano County Code sections 7-12(a), 7-12(b), and 7-13 (a)(1), which authorize such a proclamation when the Board of Supervisors is not in session. (Attachment A) This proclamation was made in response to the disaster conditions, which pose significant risks to public safety, property, and/or the environment. Levee infrastructure continues to be at risk from future weather events, including the next King Tide event expected between January 11-13, 2025.
The proclamation also constitutes Solano County's formal request for local government assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), and if appropriate, under FEMA Public Assistance programs. Additionally, the County is requesting that the Governor proclaim a State of Emergency and, if necessary, seek a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration due to the extent of the damage, which exceeds the County's available resources to mitigate.
The full extent of the damages cannot be completely assessed until after the winter season, as current soil conditions remain saturated, and further precipitation and wind events are likely to exacerbate the situation. Immediate action is necessary to secure the necessary resources for emergency and long-term mitigation actions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Ratifying the proclamation of local emergency will enable Solano County to request state and federal assistance for the repair and restoration of levee infrastructure through the California Disaster Assistance Act and FEMA Public Assistance programs. Without this proclamation the affected reclamation districts and the County would be ineligible for such assistance, placing a significant financial burden on local resources.
Under the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) the County, as the Operational Area, is responsible for coordinating resources across all agencies and districts within its jurisdiction.
As a local governmental entity, reclamation districts are responsible for managing and coordinating emergency responses and recovery efforts within their jurisdiction. However, when the damage exceeds their resources, SEMS and NIMS require them to request support from the County, as they cannot seek state or federal assistance directly. Without this emergency proclamation, the districts would not qualify for such aid, leaving them with the full financial responsibility for repairs. If assistance is not provided and the districts lack the resources for repairs, the levees will continue to erode, ultimately leading to failure and greater damage to public safety, property, and the environment.
ALTERNATIVES:
• Do not ratify the proclamation: If the proclamation is not ratified it will expire and the County would be unable to request state or federal assistance, leaving the full financial cost of repairs and mitigation efforts to the affected reclamation districts and County.
• Modify the proclamation: The Board may choose to modify specific aspects of the proclamation, potentially delaying the request for resources or altering the district’s response strategy.
• Under Government Code section 8630, all Local Emergency Proclamations must be ratified by the governing body within seven (7) days of issuance and reviewed at least once every 60 days thereafter until termination.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Office of Emergency Services, Suisun RCD, MBK Engineering, multiple local reclamation districts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION