In October 2017, one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California history struck Mendocino County. Following this tragedy, fire survivors began exploring options for rebuilding their homes and lives and found that California Building Code requirements stood as the most significant impediment to community rebuilding efforts. The cost to design and construct these improvements was estimated at $8 million, well beyond the means of the Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) and County of Mendocino. LACO staff corresponded with Mendocino County staff, RVCWD staff, and FEMA staff to develop a funding approach.
Ultimately, LACO secured approximately $6 million in funding for the project, with the remaining $2 million coming from the State of California Department of Water Resources. Together, these funding sources allowed the project to be completed at no out-of-pocket cost to district ratepayers. Our professionals’ expertise has also
Unfortunately, our fire recovery services have been needed far too often in recent years. We’ve stepped in to help business and individuals bounce back from tragedy in Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties, and our newest office, opened in Chico in 2019, is poised to help the town of Paradise rebuild from the ashes of the 2018 Camp Fire.
