Polis Administration Continues to Support Marshall Fire Survivors, Secures Transformative Federal Funding for Disaster Recovery, Rebuilding Efforts

DENVER — Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs announced important funding from the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) to support Marshall Fire disaster recovery, provide real relief for Marshall Fire survivors, and help impacted communities build back smarter and more resiliently. 

“We are working to ensure that no Coloradan has to choose between speed, affordability, and sustainability in rebuilding and recovering after the Marshall Fire disaster, and we welcome the federal support to help provide resources to build back as affordably and quickly as possible,” said Governor Polis.

The Marshall Fire was recorded as the most destructive fire in Colorado’s history, with over 1,000 homes and businesses destroyed. In the aftermath of the fire, the Polis Administration has collaborated closely with local, state, and federal agencies to provide much-needed relief for survivors navigating the process of filing insurance claims, accessing unemployment assistance, providing tax relief, and applying for small business loans. 

The Department of Local Affairs in coordination with the Disaster Housing Task Force is playing a pivotal role in assessing the immediate and long-term housing needs of people impacted by the fire. In collaboration with the Colorado Resiliency Office, the agency is focused on imagining how communities can prevent and reduce future economic costs following disasters.

To date, the federal Small Business Administration has approved more than $90.7 million in disaster loans directly to homeowners and renters, and nearly $5.7 million for businesses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has distributed nearly $1.8 million in individual assistance.