Los Angeles County officials are grappling with the potential financial implications of post-wildfire soil testing, following reports that state officials considered shifting the cost to the county. Supervisor Kathryn Barger has emphasized the need for continued state funding, particularly as the county faces significant financial challenges.
Concerns Over Funding and Soil Testing
A report from the Los Angeles Times revealed that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, under the leadership of Nancy Ward, privately considered canceling state funding for soil testing after wildfires as recently as October. This discussion occurred amid criticism regarding the state’s response to the Eaton and Palisades fires and whether soil testing was necessary for survivor protection.
Barger stated, “The notion that the State could simply reimburse Los Angeles County for conducting soil testing and remediation in the Eaton fire area was never a feasible option.” She further explained that requiring the county to front the costs, with the promise of later reimbursement, would be “an unacceptable burden on taxpayers and threatened essential public services.”
Financial Pressures on LA County
The county is currently managing ongoing wildfire recovery alongside “the loss of federal funding for core services, and extraordinary financial obligations stemming from AB 218 … including billions of dollars in litigation and settlement costs.” Declining property tax revenues are also contributing to the county’s financial strain.
Despite these challenges, Barger affirmed her commitment to supporting those affected by the Eaton Fire. She is “actively working with nonprofit partners, local researchers, and universities to deploy a pilot soil testing program that can help fill immediate gaps while longer-term solutions are pursued.”
Currently, LA County offers lead testing resources to wildfire survivors, including household and blood lead testing through the public health system. Information about the county’s wildfire soil testing program is available at publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire-soil-testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fires are specifically mentioned in relation to the soil testing debate?
The Eaton and Palisades fires are specifically mentioned as the fires prompting discussion about the necessity of soil testing.
Who was leading the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services during the time the funding cancellation was considered?
Nancy Ward was leading the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services in October when the draft memo considering canceling state funding for soil testing was circulated.
What is Supervisor Barger doing to address the immediate needs of Eaton Fire survivors?
Supervisor Barger is working with nonprofit partners, local researchers, and universities to deploy a pilot soil testing program to address immediate gaps in testing availability.
As state and county officials navigate these financial and logistical challenges, what role should community organizations play in ensuring comprehensive post-wildfire safety measures?
