| HOOPA -- Tribal officials say the
Hoopa Valley Reservation sustained millions of dollars in structural
and road damage during the Dec. 30-31 flooding, with road damage alone
placed at more than $7 million.
Severe flooding isolated the reservation and power outages lasted for five days. But Hoopa Tribal Chairman Clifford Lyle Marshall praised residents for their efforts during the storms. ”Our people worked around the clock to clear Highway 96 and repair broken water lines on the reservation. I am very proud of their effort,” said Marshall in an e-mail. “The Hoopa Valley Reservation proved we can take care of our residents as a full-service government.” He said road repair costs for 36 reservation roads are estimated at $7.5 million. The tribe also administered $128,000 in emergency assistance to individuals for food and other essentials. ”When the power went out many people lost refrigerated food and it became difficult for grocery supplies to make it into the reservation,” Marshall said. “We are the home to Hupa, Yurok and Karuk tribal members, in addition to non-native people. We provided assistance to anyone who needed it.” Marshall said road crews continue to work on mudslides that have made some reservation roads hazardous. “The loss of transportation routes into the reservation has been a hardship on our people and also our tribal industries,” he said. “When the roads are closed we cannot ship lumber or modular homes. The flooding has put an unprecedented burden on the tribe to provide emergency service during a time when our revenues and jobs are jammed.” Marshall said the Hoopa Reservation, with a population of about 3,000, is “just like any other small city in California,” providing services to its citizens. “We provide police, fire, public works, education and other social services just like other municipalities. These are vital services that go to all people on our reservation.” Marshall said the Hoopa Tribe will be eligible for federal assistance, but it may be months before that assistance restores all areas to pre-flood conditions. ”While people wait for help from the state and federal government, our tribal government will keep its doors open to all people of the reservation who need emergency services,” said Marshall. |