Governor Brown Declares State Of Emergency for Contra Costa County

SACRAMENTO - Governor Jerry Brown on Tuesday declared a State of Emergency for Contra Costa County, opening up financial assistance from the state to help repair storm-damaged roads in the county and the Moraga sinkhole.

In a message to the hard hit community of Moraga, Mayor Michael Metcalf thanked the Governor, noting that the initial response and ongoing maintenance associated with the sinkhole have "taxed our resources" and the current $3.5 million estimate to repair the damage would "be devastating to the Town’s financial stability."

Also on Patch:

• Moraga Asks For State Help To Repair Sinkhole Damage
• Sink Hole Opens In Moraga When Gas Line Ruptures

Here's the full message from Mayor Metcalf:

Governor Declares State of Emergency in Contra Costa County

A message from Michael Metcalf, Mayor of the Town of Moraga.

On April 19, 2016, the Honorable Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued a proclamation declaring storm-related damage to roads and highways as a State of Emergency. The proclamation names Contra Costa County and several other counties, which will cover Moraga’s sinkhole and assist the Town of Moraga with qualifying for financial assistance to help fund necessary repairs.

On behalf of my fellow Councilmembers, Town Staff, and our entire community, I want to thank Governor Brown for the quick response to our emergency situation and for his willingness to assist us in our time of need. The emergence of the sinkhole on March 13, 2016, and resulting gas line rupture, forced an emergency evacuation of all area businesses, caused the loss of gas service to 2,600 PG&E customers, and continues to harm our local business community. The initial response and ongoing costs associated with the sinkhole have taxed our resources and the current repair estimate of $3.5 million would be devastating to the Town’s financial stability. The Governor’s Declaration has provided hope and renewed optimism for making it through this emergency.

I also extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to both Senator Steve Glazer and Assemblywoman Catharine Baker for reaching out to our staff with offers of assistance soon after the sinkhole occurred. It is most gratifying to see elected officials, and their incredibly competent staffs, respond quickly and collaboratively to assist and guide in emergency situations. The Town of Moraga and the State of California are fortunate to have both in our service.

The full proclamation can be viewed online at www.gov.ca.gov.

-image via Moraga-Orinda Fire District Facebook page