Thompson, Boxer seek federal disaster aid for Napa quake victims

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena and Sen. Barbara Boxer visited Napa on Saturday to survey damage and reconstruction efforts from the Aug. 24 earthquake, while renewing their demands for the federal government to approve funding for individual disaster relief.

The Obama administration on Feb. 12 approved Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster funds for public assistance to help Napa and Solano counties repair public infrastructure - including government buildings, ruptured water pipes and roads, for example.

But funding for local government recovery efforts does nothing to assist individuals. Thompson and Boxer praised the federal disaster declaration, but criticized the lack of funding for area residents and businesses.

“Many families have significant damage to their homes and personal property,” Thompson said in a statement. “Our government cannot turn their backs on them in their time of need. I urge the White House to take the next important step and approve federal assistance for individuals as requested by the state of California.”

The latest estimates in Napa County put earthquake damage at $55 million to public property and $362 million to private property. More than 1,200 structures have been tagged red or yellow, either prohibiting occupancy or advising caution.

Boxer called on the Obama administration to authorize FEMA disaster assistance grants to individuals who sustained damage in the Napa quake.

“People get very helpless if they don’t see help forthcoming, and we know this private assistance is so important,” Boxer said at a news conference in Napa. “It will provide grants up to $32,000 to help people repair their homes.”

If approved, funds could also benefit businesses seeking to repair and cover personal property losses.

You can reach Staff Writer Angela ?Hart at 526-8503 or angela.hart@press?democrat.com. On Twitter ?@ahartreports.