Today, the Board of Supervisors approved two emergency motions, authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, in order to expedite the Woolsey Fire recovery process.
The first motion allows LA County Public Works to supplement and extend professional and emergency contracts to repair and reconstruct public roads, bridges, drains, flood control facilities, and water supply and sewer facilities; as well as conduct outreach and provide advice about debris flow to residents and businesses.
The motion also allows Public Works to waive water bill charges and reduce excessive water use charges to the normal rate during the Woolsey Fire billing cycle for customers with homes or businesses that were destroyed or substantially damaged.
In a related motion approved by the Board, The Supervisors adopted an ordinance, effective immediately, which advances the process to assist property owners in removing fire debris. Debris and ash caused by the Woolsey Fire may contain hazardous substances, so it is important to facilitate removal of this debris in order to protect public safety.
“Today we are taking several steps in order to ensure that the Woolsey Fire recovery effort moves forward as quickly and safely as possible,” said LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl who represents communities damaged by the Woolsey Fire. “Hundreds of residents have lost their homes. Many more have had their homes damaged and their lives seriously disrupted. Our work now is designed to make the work of the recovery move as smoothly and quickly as possible.”
Public Works was also directed to report back to the Board of Supervisors every two weeks on the status of the recovery effort.