EL DORADO COUNTY (October 4, 2023) – The devastating Caldor Fire of 2021 wreaked havoc on forests, farmlands, homes, and crucial infrastructure, resulting in significant financial investments to rebuild, including the water systems managed by the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID). Serving over 125,000 residents in El Dorado County, the district’s board of directors convened on September 25th to assess the progress made in reconstructing the facilities and infrastructure following the fire, as well as determining the remaining costs.
Elizabeth Leeper, EID’s Senior Deputy General Counsel, presented a comprehensive report during the meeting, revealing that a total of 39 fire-related repairs had been documented, with 29 of them covered by insurance through the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA JPIA). These damages not only incurred expenses for EID in repair works but also caused a considerable loss in revenue due to the impaired flume systems, leading to significantly reduced power generation rates.
Fortunately, EID procured $655,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency/California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for all fire-related projects, in addition to the insurance funds they were able to secure. Leeper’s presentation disclosed that the fire caused a total expenditure of $29.2 million for EID in repairs, along with $4.59 million in hydropower losses. However, with insurance recovery payments amounting to $22.1 million and an additional $655,000 received from FEMA, the financial assistance totaled nearly $23 million. Despite this substantial aid, EID still faces an outstanding balance of $11 million.
Leeper conveyed her optimism, expressing belief that EID would obtain further insurance proceeds from ACWA JPIA as they wrap up the claims process, as well as additional funding from FEMA. She emphasized the importance of maintaining substantial reserves in the face of such catastrophic events, citing the Caldor Fire as a prime example.
Furthermore, the water conduit owned by EID suffered damage during the winter storms of 2023 when heavy snow caused the 36-inch wide riveted steel pipe to collapse under the weight. The estimated cost for this project stands at $1.3 million, and the necessary repairs and upgrades are expected to be completed within a month.
