On December 22nd, U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Monterey County) wrote a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of Monterey County’s appeal of the agency’s decision to deny more than $1.5 million in reimbursements for the County’s emergency road and culvert repairs following the 2020 Carmel Fire.
The 2020 Carmel Fire, a federally declared disaster, burned a total of 6,905 acres, destroying 73 structures and damaging seven more. The fire burned hot enough to make soils water-repellant, therefore increasing runoff, and causing road culverts to warp. Monterey County conducted emergency repair and replacement of culverts and guard railings on Cachagua Road due to ongoing risks to the community. FEMA has determined that repairs made to the damaged Cachagua Road were not eligible for reimbursement due to Endangered Species Act (ESA) violations. In support of Monterey County’s appeal, the representatives’ letter asserts that “[FEMA’s] determination fails to take into consideration the full circumstances under which repairs were made and the lack of impact on any species following the fires’ destruction”. Storms struck the area shortly after the fires which, absent repairs, likely would have caused greater damage, loss of life and property, and increased FEMA reimbursement claims.