The Biden-Harris administration late last month announced the allocation of at least $1.3 billion in disaster relief funds for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service’s post-wildfire and hurricane recovery support efforts, according to a USDA press release.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made the announcement during a visit to the San Bernardino National Forest in California on Jan. 21.
California will receive approximately $600 million for its recovery efforts following the wildfires of 2021 and 2020, the press release said.
"I am pleased to join the vice president in announcing over a billion dollars in funding that will bolster the Forest Service's efforts to help our communities recover from the devastating impacts of wildfires and hurricanes," Vilsack said. "States are experiencing more frequent and intense wildfires that pose a serious threat to communities, property, and lives, as well as natural treasures like our forests.”
The secretary added that the money will go towards projects such as hazardous material cleanup, infrastructure repair, and reforestation.
“These dollars will make an important difference when and where they are needed most,” Vilsack said. “Before, during, and after disasters, USDA is committed to being a partner across ownership boundaries to respond to climate change and build more resilient communities."
