GOVERNOR DAVIS DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN CALAVERAS COUNTY

From: Governor's Office of Emergency Services

SACRAMENTO

Governor Gray Davis today proclaimed a State of Emergency for Calaveras County after a wooden flume that provides water to more than 7,500 residents was destroyed by the Darby Fire, which began September 5.

'The devastation of wildland fire has exacerbated in Calaveras County

where thousands of residents face the possibility of losing their water supply,' Governor Davis said. 'I am declaring a State of Emergency today and directing the Office of Emergency Services to marshal the necessary resources to ensure that those affected have a sustained water supply until permanent repairs can be made.'

During the first 24 hours of the Darby Fire, more than three-quarter miles of a wooden flume that delivers domestic water to the community

was destroyed. The long-term water supply for more than 7,500 residents of Angels Camp, Douglas Flat, Murphys, City of Angels, and Vallecito was immediately threatened.

State OES will provide disaster assistance funding through the State Natural Disaster Assistance Act (NDAA). With long-term repairs expected to take three months or more, the NDAA will provide emergency assistance by covering the cost of establishing temporary pipelines, pumping wells, or delivering water by truck, in addition to providing funding for permanent restoration.

The NDAA provides financial assistance for eligible projects on a 75 percent state/25 percent local cost-sharing basis. ###

For more information contact: Governor's Press Office - (916) 445-4571

-- PHO (owennos@bigfoot.com), September 11, 2001