Federal disaster assistance to help with flood damage in Colorado
Several Colorado counties will get help from the federal government after heavy flooding earlier this year.
President Obama issued a disaster declaration for parts of Colorado after preliminary estimates showed that flooding caused nearly $20 million in damages statewide
The declarationincludes 11 counties: Baca, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Logan, Morgan, Pueblo, Saguache, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma.
“We’ve had some historic rainfall in our community for the last couple of months. Residents have felt that and we’ve also seen a lot of infrastructure damage,” Colorado Springs Emergency Management Director Bret Waters said.
City crews have been working on landslide repairs in Rockrimmon since the beginning of July. Neighbors said they’ve already noticed a difference in their backyard.
“They have had a full crew out here every day. We’ve been so impressed,” homeownerLuAnne Crane said. “I know we needed the help, so of course we’re appreciative of the federal funding.”
El Paso County claimed the majority of the damage between May 4 and June 16.
“Out of all those $20 million in damages, I think we have a good majority or at least half of those damages right here in El Paso County,” Waters said.
The City of Colorado Springs can receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for eligible repairs. The remaining balance will be divided between city and state funding.
