Emergency Proclamation Passed By Supervisors Following Severe Flooding In Marin County

Additional Reporting by Ruth Dusseault, Bay City News.

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Following the reorganization of its leadership, the Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an emergency proclamation on Tuesday to address the significant damage caused by recent widespread flooding.

The emergency declaration allows the county to request critical assistance from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help offset repair costs.

Marin County experienced severe weather between December 18 and January 6, receiving 10 to 15 inches of rain. The situation was compounded by a severe storm system, storm surge, high winds, and record-high king tides, which peaked about 2.5 feet above normal. This convergence resulted in widespread coastal and inland flooding, levee failures, inundated structures, road closures, utility disruptions, landslides, hazardous material releases and the displacement of residents.

County Executive Derek Johnson reported that the preliminary estimate for damage in the unincorporated area is approximately $3.5 million. The major cost drivers include $2.6 million for levee damage in Santa Venetia, $300,000 for roads and bridges, $420,000 in losses to parks and recreation facilities, and $96,000 in debris removal and emergency response costs.

Johnson noted the proclamation was necessary because "the scale, duration and the geographic extent impacted the county's ability to respond."

County Director of Emergency Management Steven Torrence said the county will continue working with the federal government for disaster cost recovery. If federal assistance is not approved, the county will pursue funding through the state's California Disaster Assistance Act.

The board also accepted a recommendation to re-ratify the emergency proclamation in 60 days to allow for a broader assessment of the full extent of the damage. Furthermore, the county plans to review communications regarding the storm, focusing on why actual tides exceeded all forecasts and how to improve public notification about road closures.