FEMA denies aid designation for some CO counties

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined that some Colorado counties don’t qualify for public or individual assistance in the aftermath of September’s flooding.

FEMA notified Gov. John Hickenlooper Wednesday of its decision to deny the assistance designation for some counties as requested by the state. FEMA says in a letter that assessments show the damage to residences in Broomfield, Denver, Gilpin, Otero, and Pueblo counties is not severe enough to warrant a designation for individual assistance.

The letter goes on to say that the damage to infrastructure in Broomfield, Otero, and Pueblo counties is not severe enough to warrant a designation for public assistance.

The state has 30 days to appeal FEMA’s determination.

So far, 11 counties qualify for individual assistance and 18 counties qualify for public assistance.