THE REGION : Cities Assured Disaster Reimbursement

Cities will be fully reimbursed by the state and federal governments for costs incurred as a result of last year’s wildfire and other disasters, under a new California law.

Before the bill was signed Sept. 16 by Gov. Pete Wilson, the federal Natural Disaster Relief Act mandated that the federal government pick up 75% of disaster relief costs, with cities and counties funding the remainder. But under the law, authored by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Brentwood), the state will pay the costs not covered by the federal government.

Under terms of the new law, more than 300 county, city and other public agencies are eligible for funds, including Malibu, whose disaster relief costs stemming from the fire totaled $7.8 million. The city’s state reimbursement will be about $487,000, said City Manager David N. Carmany.