An empty lot and new construction in Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger voiced support Wednesday for Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget proposal, highlighting a newly proposed $100 million Disaster Rebuilding Fund aimed at helping wildfire survivors recover and rebuild.
By News Desk
Barger said the proposal offers “an encouraging sign” for residents still struggling in the aftermath of devastating wildfires, including survivors of the Eaton Fire.
The proposed fund is designed to help wildfire survivors gain access to financial resources needed to rebuild homes and recover from losses. According to Barger, many affected families continue to face mounting challenges, including rising construction costs, inadequate insurance payouts, and limits on federal disaster assistance.
Barger noted that while the funding would not provide direct cash payments to homeowners, it could help survivors secure private financing through programs such as interest rate buy-downs and loan loss guarantees. Those measures are intended to encourage lenders to finance rebuilding projects for families who may otherwise lack access to capital.
“If the Legislature approves this budget proposal, I will be looking to the state to provide timely and clear guidance so survivors fully understand how these resources can support their rebuilding efforts and what options will be available to them,” Barger said.
She added that disaster recovery remains a difficult and ongoing process but emphasized that expanding access to rebuilding assistance can help ease the burden on wildfire survivors and move families closer to returning home.
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