This action is necessary to allow Contra Costa County and the cities to apply for disaster relief funds to cover costs of the emergency response and damage repairs needed as a result of the significant storm events in early January 2017. The initial damage estimates for the County from the January 6 -10, 2017 storms are approximately $9.5 million. The County does not currently have funds designated for the response and repair of the storm damages, therefore applying for these relief funds is necessary.

The conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property have arisen within the County, caused by a series of severe rainstorms in January 2017 that led to the widespread flooding, mudslides, sinkholes and damage to public buildings, flood control facilities and roadways, including the collapse of a portion of Alhambra Valley Road at Pinole Creek, caused by a massive sinkhole.   
These conditions are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the County. The initial damage estimate encompasses the County’s response and cleanup of various sites throughout the County and estimated costs to repair damages from the storm. The estimate includes road infrastructure, flood control infrastructure, public building facilities and park and recreation facilities. The majority of the damage occurred on or along rural County roads. The largest and most significant damage occurred on Alhambra Valley Road at Pinole Creek, where there was a washout of the road. Flood control infrastructure also experienced storm related damage. Public building and park facilities suffered minimal impact from the storm.   
  
The initial damage estimates for the cities in Contra Costa County totals $4.3 million for a total damage estimate of $13.8 million.

The attached proclamation of local emergency, issued by the County Administrator on January 19, 2017, cannot remain in effect more than seven days unless it is ratified by the Board of Supervisors.