California Governor Gavin Newsom is urging Congress to approve nearly $40 billion in federal aid for Los Angeles to recover from January’s wildfires, deemed the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. In a letter to congressional leaders, he emphasized the need for an “all-hands-on-deck” approach and assured that the funds would be managed wisely to restore the economically vital region. The funding request includes substantial amounts from various federal agencies for rebuilding infrastructure, debris cleanup, housing assistance, business loans, and low-income housing tax credits. The wildfires destroyed over 16,250 structures, with initial recovery efforts underway, including debris removal processes led by the Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, air quality monitoring has been implemented in affected areas to evaluate cleanup impacts. The urgency of aid is underscored by recent criminal activity targeting fire-damaged properties.
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