FEMA begins reimbursement process in Colorado
El Paso County will be the first of more than a dozen Colorado counties to learn if it will be reimbursed by the federal government for flood damage repairs tied to spring storms.
On Monday, county officials met with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to educate county officials about the Public Assistance Program.
FEMA representatives visited the area previously to make initial damage assessments and now are making final decisions on whether to reimburse county officials.
For all eligible projects, FEMA will cover 75 percent of the cost with local entities covering the remaining 25 percent.
The county could receive a greater reimbursement — up to 90 percent — by removing flood debris within 30 days or opting for repair projects that prevent future damage and improve the original infrastructure.
County officials completed a FEMA worksheet detailing the nature of projects and their cost. The process follows strict guidelines to ensure the money is used properly and not wasted.
FEMA said it wants to learn from mistakes made after flooding damaged parts of the county in September 2013.
The agency expects to begin reimbursements next month but said the entire process could take months to complete.
Although homeowners are not part of the assistance plan, the state said some help may be available for private property owners who have roads and driveways eroded by the storms. The state asks affected owners to contact their respective county governments.
Federal and state officials plan to hold similar meetings this week in Pueblo and Fremont counties.
Eleven counties initially received disaster status from President Obama. FEMA said four more counties, including Park County, likely will join the list soon.
The disaster period, FEMA said, spans from May 4 to June 16 but some communities received most of their damage slightly before or after that period. FEMA said those communities still could be reimbursed.
FEMA is prepared to distribute at least $20 million to Colorado counties.
El Paso County has until Aug. 14 to apply for reimbursement and 60 days to report additional damages.
