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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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County Manager’s Office
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DATE:
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April 10, 2006
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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April 18, 2006
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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John L. Maltbie, County Manager
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SUBJECT:
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Emergency for San Mateo County due to 2004-05 Winter storms
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Make a finding to declare a local emergency caused by the March 2006 winter storms that brought large amounts of wind and rain resulting in landslides in Broadmoor, Unincorporated San Mateo County, and the closure of Devil’s Slide.
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VISION ALIGNMENT:
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Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all
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Goal(s): Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors
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BACKGROUND:
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In 1998 Winter Storms caused a landslide in La Honda that destroyed or damaged seven homes during a disaster that was Federally declared. With Federal assistance seven homes were purchased through the county. With the large amounts of rain this winter the slide in this area was reactivated. Two homes are immediately threatened and up to one hundred and one other homes could be affected as the slide expands.
In December 31st 2005 the County was hit by another series of storms resulting in almost twenty million dollars in damage to public facilities alone. The County was included in the Federal Declaration two weeks later. The damage is currently being repaired and jurisdictions and special districts are working closely with the State OES and Federal Government to complete projects.
On March 27th, 2006 the County was hit by another series of storms. By this time the ground was already saturated. One home is now sliding down a hill in Broadmoor and there have been other slides around homes and many on roads throughout the county. The most serious impact has been a rockslide that has closed Devil’s Slide on Highway 1 for an indefinite period.
This is causing serious economic damage to businesses depending upon tourism in Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and unincorporated San Mateo County. Cal Trans has stated that they may not be able to begin reopening Devil’s Slide until May due to the very wet conditions.
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On January 24th 2006 this Board adopted Resolution 067772 proclaiming existence of a local emergency and requesting the Governor to proclaim a state of emergency and request a presidential declaration for the storm that occurred on December 31st 2005.
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DISCUSSION:
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The purpose for the county declaring state of local emergency and continuing it is to position the county eligible for any type of State or Federal Disaster assistance for emergency protective measures, emergency construction repair and restoration and Small Business Administration Loans (SBA0. By continuing the declaration we continue our potential eligibility for state assistance if the areas effected expands. It will also offer the County the possibility of recouping portion of the money the county spends over the coming months as it responds to this ongoing emergency.
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A review of the current situation and circumstances indicates that there is a need for a declaration of a local state of emergency and a request for Governors Proclamation.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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The continuing extension of the county state of emergency has no impact on the County General Fund. It provides a potential avenue of reimbursement for current and future costs.
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