Colorado Disaster Aid Hits Nearly $1.5 Million 

Release Date: May 29, 1999
Release Number: 1276-07

» More Information on Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- As of May 28, flood disaster assistance for individuals, families and businesses in Bent, El Paso, Larimer, Otero, Pueblo and Weld counties has reached nearly $1.5-million, state and federal recovery officials said today.

Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Logan of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said housing grants for 437 households have reached $621,040 in the six counties.

Housing grants may be awarded for one of three purposes: to cover the cost of alternate housing for homeowners or renters whose dwellings is livable due to the flooding; to fund essential emergency repairs that make a home livable; or to avoid foreclosure or eviction of those who have lost employment as a result of the disaster.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $558,000 in low interest disaster loans to restore or replace underinsured and uninsured disaster-damaged real estate or personal property and business facilities.

State Coordinating Officer, Tommy Grier said the state-administered Individual and Family Grant has assisted 70 households in the declared counties for a total of $276,678.

The Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG), funded 75-percent by FEMA and 25-percent by the state, helps to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

The Presidential declaration issued for the severe storms and flooding that started April 29 enables residents of six Colorado counties to apply for Individual Assistance programs. Call FEMA's toll-free registration number 1-800-462-9029 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) to begin the assistance process.

Since the flooding, nearly 1,500 residents throughout the state have applied for assistance.

Six Colorado counties have been declared eligible for Public Assistance to repair damaged infrastructure and all Colorado counties were declared eligible to apply for Hazard Mitigation assistance to implement protective measures against future disasters.

Those interested in information about disaster-related programs and or the status of filed applications may call the Disaster Helpline at 1-800-535-0321 (TTY: 1-800-660-8005)

Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Dec-2003 15:25:02