SOURCE:
http://antonovich.co.la.ca.us/Pages/Press%20Releases/09/September/Fire%20Repairs%20090809.html
Press Release from Cty. Supervisor Antonovich’s Office:
September 8, 2009—To repair critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed in recent wildfires and prevent subsequent mudslides or flooding, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Antonovich and Knabe authorizing the Department of Public Works to spend up to $25 million, issue emergency contracts and begin repairs to roadways, flood control systems, and utilities. This includes repairing and reopening roads, replacing damaged guardrails, removing dead trees, and strengthening roadbeds weakened by intense heat. Emergency repair work will also restore damaged flood control infrastructure, including the construction of temporary protection against winter rains.
Damage estimates from the Station Fire include the need to repair at least 95 guardrail locations, remove more than 760 trees, clean out 24 debris basins, and repair minor damage at the construction site of the ongoing $88 million Big Tujunga Dam seismic rehabilitation project. Additionally, the County will need to rebuild the destroyed public works office and crew quarters at the Mill Creek Road Division depot near the Angeles Forest Highway.
“This action allows the County to fast-track repairs and minimize the risk of potential mudslides and floods in the aftermath of the fire,” said Supervisor Antonovich.
“We are removing the bureaucratic red tape by giving Public Works the authority to make these repairs,” said Supervisor Knabe. “We need to get the burn areas on the road to recovery as soon as possible and this motion will make that a reality.”
