Gov. Newsom warns of CA disaster risks amid federal shutdown

(FOX40.COM) — Gov. Gavin Newsom raises concern for disaster preparedness, response and recovery across the state as a result of the federal government shutdown.

Video Above: How would a shutdown affect CA?

California federal employees are facing furlough while disaster recovery programs are on pause, during the federal government shutdown, which began Wednesday at midnight. Newsom released that delays in federal support for community preparedness jeopardize California’s ability to rebuild from recent wildfires and prepare for new threats.

Wildfire crews and emergency responders remain on the front line despite federal support being frozen for community preparedness, forest management, prescribed fires and recovery grants. Newsom stated that progress on prevention will be delayed, making California more susceptible to facing the growing weather extremes.

“Communities across our state are less safe because of Trump’s government shutdown,” Newsom said. “This can’t go on – Republicans need to act to end this shutdown.”

The shutdown has especially caused:

• 25% of the federal forest service staff, focused on prevention and planning, are furloughed
• Research and support functions at the National Weather Service are on hold
• Grants for disaster reimbursement and mitigation funding are paused
• Federal programs for preparedness efforts are on hold statewide
• Two-thirds of the National Park Service staff are furloughed

The National Weather Service continues to issue life-saving forecasts and warnings; however, it cannot offer long-term climate research and update forecasting tools, which have been suspended, according to the governor.

Grants, reimbursements, and technical assistance for disaster recovery throughout the state are delayed. Newsom said that local communities that are relying on federal support for recovery are left with uncertainty.