Gov. Newsom signs executive order to support Tulare Lake Basin flood response

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to protect the Tulare Lake Basin communities from significant flooding resulting from the historic storms that California experienced this winter and spring. The order aims to streamline state preparation, response, and recovery actions, and supports local flood response efforts.

State agencies, including the California Department of Water Resources, CAL FIRE, and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, have been actively engaging with local officials managing flood response efforts, providing technical assistance, resources, and support to protect public health and safety.

The Governor's order streamlines regulations to expedite emergency flood preparation and response activities, such as floodwater diversion, debris removal, and levee repairs in the Tulare Lake Basin. In addition, it waives work hour limitations for retired annuitants working with state agencies and departments on the emergency response to ensure adequate staffing for response efforts.

The order also enables a school in Alpine County that has been closed due to storm impacts to relocate to temporary facilities to continue classes. It also suspends academic assessments for three schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District if a federal waiver is approved.

Governor Newsom emphasized that the state officials are on the ground to assist communities, support the local emergency response, and prepare for the surge of snowmelt runoff in the coming months. The order prioritizes protecting lives and livelihoods impacted by the devastating flooding and aims to ensure that the necessary resources are available to mitigate the impacts of snowmelt runoff from the Sierra Nevada.