DENVER — Friday, June 22, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper
signed three new Executive Orders related to different fires burning in
Colorado
One order amends the disaster declaration for the High Park Fire
in Larimer County and authorizes an additional $5 million to the state’s
Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for firefighting efforts. An earlier Executive
Order authorized $20 million for the fire.
The High Park Fire has qualified for federal reimbursement of 75
percent for firefighting costs.
A second order declares a disaster for the Springer Fire, which
started on June 18 in Park County. The order authorizes $1 million to the
state’s Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for firefighting efforts.
A third order declares a disaster for the Stuart Hole Fire,
which started June 4, also in Larimer County. The order authorizes $200,000 to
the state’s Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for firefighting efforts.
Disaster declarations authorize the transfer of any funds in the
state budget to the Disaster Emergency Fund, which is not funded unless money is
needed. The state is currently tapping reserve funds and other appropriations
that are not encumbered in the current fiscal year. Money from other sources
will be available at the start of the new fiscal year July 1.
State law does not allow people who have lost homes or property
in the fire to seek reimbursement from these disaster funds.
Each of the signed Executive Orders is attached to this press
release. All three orders were signed by the governor on Thursday evening.
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