California committee requests $8.7M FEMA funding for post-fire flooding study

California's Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss critical funding aimed at addressing post-fire flooding risks. The committee is considering a request for $8.7 million in FEMA funding to support a program designed to study and mitigate the dangers of alluvial fan flooding, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires.

The proposal arises from the need to better understand and predict flooding conditions following wildfires, such as those experienced in Montecito after the Santa Barbara fires. The initiative focuses on three key locations: Mono County, Monterey, and Northern Los Angeles County, specifically within the Angeles National Forest. By employing advanced geological surveys and lidar mapping, the program aims to assess soil types and their behavior under various water conditions, ultimately enhancing the state's ability to forecast storm events.

The goal is to develop a system that can alert emergency response teams to potential flooding risks, allowing for timely interventions. This pilot project is seen as a crucial step in testing new technologies that could be expanded in the future to improve public safety in fire-prone areas.

Additionally, the committee discussed the potential for future FEMA funding to further support recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters. The collaboration with NOAA for radar technology is also a key component, as it will help monitor storm activity and improve predictive capabilities.

As the state grapples with the ongoing impacts of climate change and increasing wildfire incidents, this funding request and the associated pilot projects represent a proactive approach to safeguarding communities from the devastating effects of post-fire flooding. The committee's discussions underscore the importance of integrating scientific research and technology into disaster preparedness and response strategies.