Biden to visit Capitol, Aptos to assess hurricane damage

President Joe Biden will visit Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties on Thursday to see firsthand the damage from a series of atmospheric river storms over the past three weeks.

During the trip, the president plans to meet with business owners and residents affected by recent hurricanes, as well as first responders, state and local officials, the White House said.

Arriving at Moffett Field in Santa Clara County shortly after noon, Biden will inspect the damage and head to Santa Cruz County, according to a White House press release. There, the presidential visit will include stops at Capitola Pier and Seacliff State Beach in Aptos.

Biden will travel with Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Dina Criswell to assess what federal assistance might be needed to repair the damage.

The president is scheduled to end the trip with a press conference this afternoon and is expected to reaffirm his commitment to supporting the region as it recovers from recent storms.

On Saturday, the president issued a major disaster announcement that has engulfed Santa Cruz County but has yet to extend to Santa Clara County, which issued a storm emergency declaration on Jan. 8.

Santa Cruz County estimated storm damage to public infrastructure at $55 million, with more than 1,000 homes likely affected. Santa Clara County estimated damage at $27 million.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is among the elected officials expected to meet with the president in the affected areas.