Following Federal Approval of Colorado’s Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA Denies Individual Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding Portions of Original Request

DENVER - Today, following the recent federal approval of Colorado's Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA denied the Individual Assistance (IA) and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) portions of Colorado's Major Disaster Declaration request. Individual Assistance would have provided direct assistance to individuals and families in Pueblo and Custer Counties, including for temporary housing assistance and to help rebuild homes. The Hazard Mitigation Grant funding assists resilience for communities who are rebuilding, and denying these funds could leave communities more exposed to future events.

Despite this recent decision, Colorado recently received approval for its major disaster declaration request, which includes the Public Assistance (PA) program to support repair of critical infrastructure damage as well as debris cleanup on public and private property. Coordination has already begun on this work among the State and local governments. This work will help clear the way for communities to rebuild and is an important first step in recovery.

"The recent approval of Colorado's Major Disaster Declaration request was the important first step to clear debris and allow communities to begin the process to recover. I am disappointed that Colorado was denied these additional portions of our request that would have further supported impacted families and communities. However, the state is already hard at work coordinating debris cleanup with local governments. The state is evaluating Colorado's options and next steps following the denial of these additional resources," said Governor Jared Polis.

Colorado's disaster declaration request received broad, bipartisan support from members of the State's congressional delegation, State legislators, local elected officials, first responders, utilities, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. Together, these leaders detailed the extensive damage caused by the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires and subsequent flooding and debris flows, the strain placed on local resources, and the need for federal assistance to help families and communities rebuild.

Individual Assistance would support temporary housing, home repairs, essential personal property, crisis counseling, disaster case management, disaster unemployment assistance, and disaster legal services. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding makes communities more resilient in the face of future damage from emergencies and natural disasters through a range of proactive efforts like flood prevention, stormwater systems upgrades, and wildfire mitigation. In addition to reducing the risks communities face, HMGP funding brings long term savings, which FEMA says saves $6 on average for every $1 spent.

The State is assessing next steps and has 30 days to appeal the denial should it determine that is an appropriate next step.

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