Governor Polis Releases Statement on White House Disaster Declaration

COLORADO SPRINGS - Today, President Joseph  Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Colorado and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes from June 8 to June 23, 2023. 

In June, Governor Polis took action following the extreme weather, declaring a disaster emergency which enabled state agencies to activate the State Emergency Operations Plan and appropriately respond to the weather events and damage. The Governor’s Executive Order also allocated funding for response, consequence management, mitigation, and recovery efforts related to the June 2023 extreme weather and flooding.

“I applaud the White House for this action and thank the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and local officials who worked closely together to assess damages and determine if and when a county needs support from the state or federal government to enhance their efforts in providing support for Colorado communities,” said Governor Polis.

According to the White House announcement today, federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes in the counties of Cheyenne, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Kit Carson, and Lincoln.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is immediately beginning the next steps of recovery with FEMA and impacted counties.  Colorado DHSEM will request FEMA include any other additional counties with qualifying damages during the incident period. 

###