◊ Corpsmembers to focus on cutting and removing downed trees
◊ Heavy workload remains to clear roads and access to communities
◊ Additional Corpsmembers assisting cleanup in St. Thomas and Texas
San Diego County CA— Corpsmembers from the California Conservation Corps’ San Diego Center in National City will left early Saturday for Puerto Rico to spend the next month helping clean up the destruction Hurricane Maria left behind weeks ago.
The 12-member crew of 18 to 25 year-old men and women will focus on restoring access to remote communities on the island. Downed trees and debris continue to block roads, preventing aid from being delivered to thousands of residents.
“This is critical work the Corpsmembers are doing that will open the routes so the help many Puerto Ricans have needed for weeks can be delivered,” said Bruce Saito, director of the California Conservation Corps.
Many of the Corpsmembers bound for hurricane cleanup just returned from assisting with the October outbreak of wildland fires throughout California. In fact, the CCC postponed sending the Corpsmembers to assist with the hurricane cleanup so that the Corps could support firefighters in state.
“We know all too well the emotional impact that natural disasters such as fires and floods can deliver, and are both proud and glad that we are able to now send support to out-of-state neighbors,” said Saito.
The CCC is dispatching a total of 60 Corpsmembers this month to assist with hurricane cleanup in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Texas. Corpsmembers will put in 10-hour days taking out drywall and flooring from flooded homes, using chain saws to chop up downed trees, and hauling away debris from roads and neighborhoods.
Much of the CCC’s hurricane cleanup work is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, through the Corporation for National and Community Service.
About the CCC
The California Conservation Corps is a state agency offering young men and women a paid opportunity to improve California’s natural resources and communities. The CCC also responds to emergencies such as fires, floods, weather and agricultural disasters.
Created by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 1976, the CCC is the oldest and largest conservation corps in the nation.
The CCC has Corpsmember openings every month for young adults ages 18 to 25 and veterans to age 29. For information on joining, call 1-800-952-JOBS or visit ccc.ca.gov