SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that would have ensured that Del Norte County be reimbursed for the local recovery costs incurred by the tsunami that occurred on March 11.

"I am disappointed that Governor Brown decided to veto Assembly bill 1429. He obviously did not understand the importance of this bill and its impact on Del Norte County," Chesbro said. "This bill would have ensured that Del Norte County's disaster response and rebuilding costs were fully covered as the region’s most important economic driver, the Crescent City Harbor, is rebuilt."

AB 1429 would have made Del Norte County eligible to be reimbursed for 100 percent of disaster response and rebuilding costs by having the state pay for the entire amount not covered by the federal government, under the California Disaster Assistance Act. Current estimates of the damage to the harbor and response efforts are approximately $20 million. This bill would have increased the state’s portion of the costs to approximately $5 million.

Contact: Lisa Ramer (916) 319-2001