In response to wildfires and straight-line winds that started on Dec. 30, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in the state of Colorado in an effort to assist those in need of help.
Biden ordered federal aid to supplement the recovery efforts affected by the fire and winds in a statement released earlier this month. This makes federal funding available to those affected in Boulder County. It includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, loans to cover uninsured property loss and other programs to assist those in need. Funding will be available to state and local governments that are eligible, as well as some private nonprofit organizations through a cost-sharing basis.This also goes for hazard mitigation throughout the stare.
“Emergency protective measures, including any direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding,” FEMA stated through a release.
Nancy M. Casper was named the federal coordinating officer for the federal recovery operations by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, according to the White House release.
According to a report by CNN, the wildfires burned more than 6,000 acres and destroyed nearly 1,000 homes. Partial human remains have been found but there are two people missing as of Jan. 7. The investigation into how the fire started is ongoing. Biden and his wife, Jill, traveled to Colorado to tour the affected areas on Friday.
Residents and business owners who lost property in the counties affected can apply for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov. You can also call 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. The numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
