Cerro Grande Mitigation Deadline Approaches
Release Date: July 23, 2003
Release Number: R6-03-58
Denton, TX -- The deadline is just over one month away to apply for mitigation funds for homes that were physically damaged or destroyed in the May 2000 Cerro Grande Fire.
"Those who suffered fire damage to their homes and were compensated more than $2,000 for real damages under the Cerro Grande Fire Assistance Act are eligible to apply for mitigation funding until August 28, 2003," said Stephen Oliver, director of the Office of Cerro Grande Fire Claims (OCGFC). Oliver reminds fire victims that the regulation requires all mitigation work be completed or contracted for completion by August 28.
Oliver said that the OCGFC staff is currently conducting a file review of each of the mitigation measures selected by claimants. "We will be verifying the funds spent with individual claimants over the next month," he explained.
Federal regulations require an inspection to ensure that the work has been completed. Oliver said preparations are underway to conduct mitigation inspections in September.
Claimants who wish to reopen their files for advanced mitigation funding may contact the OCGFC in Denton, Texas to have their claim reviewed prior to the filing and completion deadline. The contact telephone number is 888-748-1853. The line is operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday.
Anyone who already received mitigation funding and who has questions about the claim may also call 888-748-1853.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-Jul-2003 14:17:06