FEMA provides additional funding for Oroville Dam repairs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released an additional $308 million for the Oroville Dam reconstruction and emergency response according to a statement by the Department of Water Resources (DWR).

The funding announced yesterday was at first rejected by FEMA, but later approved following an appeal by DWR last year. The additional funding comes almost four years after the Dam’s main and emergency spillways were damaged, prompting the evacuation of more than 180,000 people living downstream along the Feather River.

“We appreciate the continued hard work of our partners at FEMA and the California Office of Emergency Services, as well as our representatives in Congress, to ensure California received these funds,” said Ted Craddock, DWR Deputy Director of the State Water Project.

DWR says they will continue to work with Cal OES and FEMA to secure additional reimbursement funds for work on the emergency spillway.

DWR anticipates receiving a reimbursement of $630 million, which is about 50% of the $1.2 billion  spent on the spillways incident through the public assistance program.