Residents and businesses impacted by a hazmat crisis that forced thousands of people from their homes in Garden Grove and surrounding areas are in line for some help after the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved $500,000 in aid.
The board voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the money, which comes from Supervisor Janet Nguyen’s discretionary funds.
“We had a near disaster of an exploding chemical tank that could have injured or killed many people, with an evacuation of 50,000 people,” Nguyen said. “Some residents and businesses lost thousands of dollars while they were displaced over the long Memorial Day weekend. This money will help.”
“GKN needs to replenish the fund,” Nguyen added. “In the meantime, those who were unable to receive funds from United Way can access the fund I have created, which will be distributed by the city of Garden Grove.”
Board Chairman Doug Chaffee’s district was also part of the evacuation.
“I appreciate Supervisor Nguyen’s leadership in securing additional resources to support residents and businesses impacted by this incident,” Chaffee said. “It is important that all affected individuals and businesses receive compensation for any injuries that they have suffered. Our shared priority must remain the health, safety, and well-being of the community.”
The problem began May 21 when a leak was reported at GKN Aerospace at 12122 Western Ave. in Garden Grove.
Thousands of residents in Garden Grove and nearby communities, including the entire city of Stanton, had to leave their homes for days during the Memorial Day weekend as authorities worked to neutralize the toxic chemical kept inside a storage tank that had become overheated, amid fears it would lead to an explosion.
Ultimately a crack in the damaged tank wound up relieving pressure inside, negating the risk of explosion.
GKN Aerospace donated $3 million to the United Way’s OC Community Resilience Fund to assist residents who were impacted by the evacuations, but that money has run out, according to Nguyen’s office.
So, $10 per person?