President Biden to visit storm-devastated Central Coast

California has been hit by nine atmospheric rivers since Christmas.

President Joe Biden on Thursday plans to travel to storm-devastated parts of the Central Coast.

In a statement Monday, the White House said the president will visit with first responders, state and local officials, and communities impacted by the recent extreme weather; survey recovery efforts; and assess what additional federal aid is needed.

California has been hit by nine atmospheric rivers since Christmas. Across the state, the storms have killed at least 20 people and caused at least $1 billion in damage.

Biden on Saturday declared that a major disaster exists in California and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides beginning on Dec. 27 and continuing.

Funding is now available to residents of Santa Cruz, Sacramento and Merced counties.

In a separate statement, the White House said assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and businesses recover from the effects of the disaster.

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