Rep. Pete Aguilar Questions Transportation Secretary on Wildfire Relief and Olympic Funding

Wildfire Relief Funding for California

• ⚠️ California experienced horrific wildfires in January, causing devastation that is tough to comprehend.
• 💰 In February, the governor requested $101 million under the Department of Transportation's emergency relief program for highway and road rebuilding.
• ⏳ It has been months since the wildfires, and Congress is still awaiting a formal request from the President for disaster supplemental funding.
• 🤝 The Secretary expressed openness to a tour of the damage in Southern California and is confident in the department's ability to implement funding if Congress appropriates it.

Major Events and Infrastructure Needs

• 🌍 Southern California is set to host significant international events: the World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027, and the Olympics and Paralympics in 2028.
• 💸 LA Metro estimates over $3 billion in federal funding will be needed over the next three years for public transportation to support these events.
• 🏛️ While the Senate previously included $200 million for the Olympics, it was not in the final package; a letter was sent to the President requesting $500 million in dedicated infrastructure funding.

Departmental Operations and Commitments

• 🎯 The Secretary affirmed that safety is a primary concern and that the department is committed to its missions, including grant awards, even with fewer people.
• ❓ Regarding disaster assistance, the Secretary stated he had not had a conversation with the administration about executing it without preconditions.
• 🤝 The Department of Transportation is working with the White House on task forces for the World Cup and Olympics, acknowledging transportation's key role and committing to partner with California on its needs.
• 📊 The Secretary agreed to review specific funding levels for the Olympics and other events and partner with the delegation to determine needs.