Tustin Hangar Fire Resolution Receives Full Legislative Support, Passes State Assembly
Sacramento, Calif. – Senate Joint Resolution 13 (SJR 13) has continued to move through the Legislature, passing out of the California State Assembly with unanimous support.
SJR 13 from Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) seeks federal support for disaster cleanup following the catastrophic fire at the Navy North Hangar in Tustin, California last year.
“The continued, overwhelming support for SJR 13 shows that when it comes to the needs of our communities, party lines don't matter. I appreciate the Navy’s demonstrated willingness to engage with community leaders on this critical matter, and I join with my fellow members of Orange County’s legislative delegation in calling on our federal representatives to act with similar urgency and collaboration,” Senator Newman said.
“The City of Tustin strongly supports SJR 13, which will help assure funds are available to make our community and its finances whole in the wake of the Navy North Hangar Fire,” said Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard. “This crucial resolution continues to receive strong bipartisan support in the Assembly, just as it did in the Senate. Our City appreciates the hard work by Senator Newman in advancing this effort to address the impacts of the Navy North Hangar Fire and to protect public health, the environment, and our local economy.”
On November 7 of last year, a fire ripped through one of the two historic World War II-era hangars at the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin, and the residual impact has reverberated throughout the region. The massive wooden structure burned for nearly a month, directly affecting more than 1,500 homes, 29 local schools, and 14,000 residents. The fallout from the blaze has left the city of Tustin grappling with unprecedented financial burdens, as emergency expenses have surpassed 100% of the annual budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
SJR 13, co-authored by Senator Newman, Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), calls on Congress and President Biden to allocate $100 million in supplemental funding dedicated to cleanup and mitigation efforts at the site and in the surrounding communities. The resolution also urges the president to declare a national emergency, recognizing the severity and ongoing impacts of the fallout from the Navy North Hangar Fire.
Thanks to state efforts and the leverage generated by measures like SJR 13, the Navy has begun reimbursements to Tustin for some expenses; however, continued federal funding is necessary to alleviate the financial stress on the city. Senator Newman remains committed to advocating for the financial and environmental support that the Tustin community needs to recover from the impacts of the devastating fire.
To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brian Wheatley at brian.wheatley@sen.ca.gov