Humboldt County–One year ago this week, a 6.4 magnitude quake rumbled across Humboldt County just days before Christmas, with the brunt of the damage hitting the small community of Rio Dell, followed by a 5.4 magnitude aftershock New Year’s Day.

The quakes resulted in devastating damage including 90 red-tagged structures and tens of millions in private and public infrastructure damages. Approximately 200 residents were displaced by the earthquakes.

Even with this, the FEMA financial thresholds weren’t met for this tragic disaster, resulting in state, local governments and nonprofit organizations needing to work closer than ever to help meet the needs of communities.

For the past year, Senate President Designee Mike McGuire and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) have worked side-by-side with the County of Humboldt and the City of Rio Dell, and local nonprofit organizations on disaster response and long-term recovery, with a top priority on getting displaced residents back home. Disaster case management has been led by the Eel River Long-term Recovery group with support from the Arcata House Partnership, Hope Crisis Network, Humboldt Area Foundation, McLean Foundation, Changing Tides, Humboldt COAD, and Habitat for Humanity Yuba/Sutter.

“Since the first earthquake hit on December 20th, the State, County and City of Rio Dell have been attached at the hip, working together, to secure every possible resource and get this incredible community back on its feet. While progress has been made, we know there’s much more work ahead,” said Senator McGuire. “We made a promise to the City and County that first night when the quake hit that the State would be involved for the long haul and we won’t stop working until homes and public infrastructure are rebuilt.”

Recovery investment update from the State of California and County of Humboldt:

• $12.9 million to modernize and replace Rio Dell’s antiquated and vulnerable water system in partnership with Senator McGuire, CalOES and the State Water Board. The project is expected to go out to bid in the Spring of 2024 and break ground in late summer or Fall of 2024.
• $1.5 million from the State Water Board to replace the Painter St. sewer line connecting Painter St. and the Rio Dell Wastewater Treatment
• $6 million from Caltrans for the successful emergency repairs to Fernbridge
• $3 million in philanthropic and state funds for emergency response and rehabilitation facilitated by CalOES.
• $2.8 million in costs approved by the State of California to reimburse local governments for emergency sheltering, water main distribution systems, sewer systems, wastewater treatment stations, building repair, road damages, and the demolition of the Lloyd Building in Eureka, in addition to the Emergency Operations Center following the winter earthquakes.
• Recipients include County of Humboldt, City of Eureka, and Rio Dell School District. Additional funding - covering reimbursable costs - will be flowing to the City of Rio Dell in the coming months.
• $2 million exclusive to Humboldt County from the California Earthquake Authority’s Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program in prevention services.
• Qualifying homeowners are eligible for a $3,000 grant toward retrofits, with a supplemental grant available to eligible low-income residents to cover up to 100% of retrofit costs.  
• The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors allocated $1 million to help residents impacted by the earthquakes, including an emergency sheltering program, temporary housing, and long-term recovery.
   

Rio Dell Schools are also completing their structural engineering assessment at Eagle Prairie Elementary and Monument Middle schools. Once completed, the State stands ready to help fund rebuild and rehab projects on the campus.

“Rio Dell and the Eel River Valley were hit hardest by these earthquakes, and we responded immediately to help residents get connected to resources and housing. Now we’re focused on Rio Dell’s long term recovery,” said County Supervisor Michelle Bushnell. “All levels of government have been amazing in this process, and I’m grateful to the State working with us to help lead this comprehensive local recovery effort.”

“Our community has come together like never before to help neighbors in need and we won’t rest until Rio Dell has fully recovered,” said Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes. “We’ve been through so much in the past year but I’m grateful for the generosity and hard work of our neighbors and friends that have kept Rio Dell strong in the face of adversity. We’re also grateful to the County, State and Senator McGuire for sticking with us through the recovery process.”

“The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Services has been responding to the needs of Rio Dell and the Eel River Valley since minutes of the big quake hitting,” Sheriff Honsal said. “We know there’s more work ahead, but as we look back at this past year, significant progress is being made. And we’re all in this for the long haul. This is our home too and we will continue to deliver for neighbors in need.”

Funding still available for qualifying homeowners include:

• USDA federal Rural Home Repair loan program*
• Eligible low-income homeowners can apply for up to $40,674 in home repair, including seismic work like foundation upgrades
• Earthquake Brace + Bolt registration will open again on January 10, 2024
• Eligible homeowners can apply for $3,000 retrofit grants, with additional funds available for low-income residents
• *USDA Rural Home Repair loans can be used in order to upgrade a home’s foundation in order to be eligible for an EBB retrofit