FEMA grant of $4.7 million awarded to Plumas Sierra Rural Electric

A $4,733,821.57 FEMA Public Assistance grant has been awarded to Plumas Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative. This grant will be used to repair or replace distribution lines, fiber optic lines and transformers damaged in wildfires, as well as cover hazardous tree removals required to complete the repairs. FEMA funding will cover 90 percent of the project’s total costs. All work is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed by Feb. 24, 2023. Congressman Doug LaMalfa made the announcement to his district, which includes the cooperative’s service area.

“Catastrophic wildfires such as Dixie and Beckwourth Complex have caused horrific damage to Plumas, Sierra, and Lassen counties, and limitations on recovery funding have slowed down rebuilding efforts for residents,” LaMalfa said. “I am glad that Plumas Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative has been awarded this much-needed funding for critical telecommunications infrastructure. We must achieve proper forest management to reduce the risks of disastrous wildfires, I look forward to seeing our rural areas continue to come back from this devastation.”

“Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC) is grateful to Congressman LaMalfa, his staff, and our California delegation for their support throughout the FEMA recovery process. This 90 percent grant will enable us to complete needed system repairs and vegetation management necessitated by the damages PSREC sustained during the 2021 California wildfires,” said Bob Marshall, CEO of Plumas Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative.