Flooding near Hotchkiss in 2o13. Tom Wills Photo
FEMA Public Assistance to Colorado Tops $1.7 Million
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated more than $1.7 million in federal funding to help 15 Colorado counties repair and replace public facilities damaged during the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred between May 4 and June 16, 2015.
“We are moving as quickly as we can to get assistance out to affected communities,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “And we will continue to work closely with state and local officials to repair storm and flood-damaged public facilities.”
“Once again we are showing the benefits that a state/federal partnership can deliver to ease this storm’s burden on our communities,” said Dana Reynolds, Director of Emergency Management for the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Public Assistance funds are available to state and local governments and certain private non-profits to respond to and recover from disasters. PA funds may be provided to reimburse costs incurred for emergency actions taken during and immediately after a disaster to protect life and property, to conduct debris removal, and to restore disaster-damaged infrastructure. FEMA provides 75 percent of the costs of eligible PA projects, with the state providing the remaining 25 percent.
In addition to providing Public Assistance funds, federal funding is available statewide from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. These funds can be used by state and local governments and certain private non-profits to reduce loss of life and property from future disasters.
On July 16, President Obama declared a major disaster in 11 Colorado counties including Baca, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Logan, Morgan, Pueblo, Saguache, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma. On Aug. 12, Adams, Boulder, Park and Denver counties were added to the declaration.
###
Colorado DHSEM’s mission is to provide leadership and support to Colorado communities to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond and recover from all-hazard events including acts of terrorism.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Print or Email This Page
