FEMA denies Colorado individual assistance and hazard grant requests

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- FEMA has denied Colorado’s request for additional disaster assistance following the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires and subsequent flooding damage.

The denial means people in Pueblo and Custer counties will not receive additional funding from FEMA for Individual Assistance, which would help with temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

According to Gov. Jared Polis, FEMA also denied the state’s request for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, which provides funding for communities rebuilding aimed at reducing the risk of future damage, including flood prevention, stormwater upgrades and wildfire mitigation.

FEMA has approved Colorado's major disaster declaration, which helps repair critical infrastructure and pay for debris cleanup on public and private property, officials say.

“The recent approval of Colorado’s Major Disaster Declaration request was the important first step to clear debris and allow communities to begin the process to recover,” Gov. Jared Polis said. “I am disappointed that Colorado was denied these additional portions of our request that would have further supported impacted families and communities.”

Polis said the state is already coordinating debris cleanup with local governments and is evaluating its options following FEMA’s decision.

RELATED COVERAGE: Gov. Polis talks next steps as President Trump approves public assistance for ‘Aspen Acres’ fire victims

Colorado has 30 days to appeal FEMA’s denial.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.