President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Late last evening, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation's efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm and flooding from February 23 to February 26, 2023.

Federal funding is available to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians 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 storm and flooding.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

Mr. Benigno Bern Ruiz of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.