FEMA won’t be providing all the aid Colorado asked for to recover from the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain wildfires.
Gov. Jared Polis said the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the Individual Assistance (IA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program parts of the state’s Major Disaster Declaration request.
“I am disappointed that Colorado was denied these additional portions of our request that would have further supported impacted families and communities,” Polis said in a statement. “The state is evaluating Colorado’s options and next steps following the denial of these additional resources.”
The state has 30 days to appeal the decision.
IA funding helps individuals and families who have suffered losses due to a disaster. Funds can go toward temporary housing assistance and home repairs, among other uses. The Aspen Acres wildfire destroyed more than 300 homes in Pueblo and Custer counties.
The Hazard Mitigation funding helps local communities prevent future disasters through proactive efforts, such as stormwater system upgrades and wildfire mitigation.
“Based on what I have seen on the ground and what I have heard directly from these communities, I believe there is a strong case for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation,” said GOP Rep. Jeff Hurd in a statement. He is Pueblo County’s representative. “We now have an opportunity to provide additional information through the appeal process, and I want to focus on making that case as effectively as possible.”
Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen, who represents Custer County, blasted the Trump administration for the decision.
“In emergencies like these, no one in this country should have to wonder if they will receive help from the federal government based on who they supported in the last election,” she said in a statement. “Times like these are bigger than politics.”
CPR News reached out to the White House and FEMA for comment, but has not yet received a response.
Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper urged the administration to reverse the decision, noting these are not “frivolous” requests.
“These resources are what’s needed to help Colorado families and communities recover and prevent future tragedies. We will continue standing with those impacted by these horrific fires and do everything we can to support them in their hour of need,” he said in a statement.
Colorado is currently suing the Trump administration alleging it has been retaliating against the state, including the denial of a major disaster declaration request last year for the Lee and Elk wildfire and historic flooding in southwestern Colorado.
The administration did approve the major disaster declaration request for the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires earlier this year. It also approved Public Assistance funding to repair damage to infrastructure. Last week, the administration also released about $90 million of long-delayed disaster funding.
