President Orders Emergency Aid For Colorado Snowstorm 

Release Date: April 10, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-090

» More Information on Colorado Snowstorm

Washington, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has authorized the use of federal funds for Colorado to supplement the emergency response to last month's record snowfall.

Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and under secretary designee for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said the President ordered the assistance under an emergency declaration signed last night after a review of the agency's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers jurisdictions with record and near-record snowfall from the storm that occurred over the period of March 17-20.

Following the declaration, Brown designated 22 counties eligible for federal funding to pay part of the cost for emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of the snowstorm. This includes state and local government operations needed to protect public health and safety and to prevent damage to public or private property.

The designated counties include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Custer, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Grand, Huerfano, Jackson, Jefferson, Larimer, Las Animas, Park, Summit, Teller and Weld.

Under the emergency declaration, FEMA will provide reimbursement to state and affected local government agencies for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts and personnel overtime related to emergency services in dealing with the snow over a 72-hour period. These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow from emergency routes and roads to critical facilities to permit the passage of emergency vehicles. Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue, shelter operations, and police and fire department response will also be eligible for reimbursement.

Brown named Justin Demello of FEMA to coordinate the federal assistance in the affected areas.

Last Modified: Friday, 11-Apr-2003 11:23:38