President Donald Trump declared a major disaster for the areas of California, including the Santa Clarita Valley, which should help in the effort to rebuild from the recent rainstorms, officials said.

The White House issued the following statement Thursday:

“Today, President Donald J. Trump declared a major disaster exists in the State of California and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides from January 18 to January 23, 2017.

Federal funding is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides in the counties of El Dorado, Kern, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Napa, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Trinity, Tuolumne, and Yolo….

“Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.”

The assistance is aimed at government infrastructure, such as roads and other items associated with the preliminary damage assessments for counties, special districts, school districts and state agencies.

Free removal, services, emergency response and protective measures, permanent work for roads and bridges, and water control and other infrastructure facilities and parks among others, are some of the funding areas covered.

The last part in particular is going to be followed closely by state and county officials, who have also requested a disaster be declared for the February rains, also, according to Ken Kondo of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management.

Six teams scoured the county in early February confirming damage reports, which are then shared with Gov. Jerry Brown to seek a state declaration, the next step before Thursday’s announcement. For his part, Congressman Steve Knight also pushed for assistance at the federal level on behalf of the Santa Clarita Valley, according to his office.

“This is great news for the County of Los Angeles and our damaged infrastructure,” said Rep. Knight. “California is struggling to repair damages caused by recent storms and I am grateful for this assistance in repairing our community.”

As always, Kondo also used the opportunity to remind residents about the importance of  being prepared for emergency rains, flooding, landslides and fires. Residents of the Sand Fire burn areas are still particularly susceptible to flood conditions in heavy rains.

More information will also be at 8th annual 2017 KHTS Santa Clarita Home and Garden Show and Emergency Expo held Saturday, April 29 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, April 30 10 AM to 4 PM