Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced the state’s recovery effort is on track with 77 percent of roadways damaged by the historic September floods now open. Also, residents in two additional counties are now eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual assistance and eight more counties are eligible for FEMA public assistance, and the ColoradoUnited.com website is successfully handling inquiries for help, information and resources.
Recovery Progress on Track
More than 1,600 people in Colorado -- comprised of members from FEMA, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Colorado Office of Emergency Management, the National Guard from Colorado, Kansas, Montana and Utah, the Army Corp of Engineers, IHS and other technical and service providers -- are working on recovery efforts and report the following:
- 77 percent of damaged roadways are now open, with the remaining on track for opening by Dec. 1.
- 491 bridges have been inspected, only 120 need repair.
- FEMA has approved $43.9 million in Individual Assistance.
- The Small Business Administration has approved $29 million low-interest disaster loans.
- The Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program cap was raised to $450 million.
- The Colorado Water Conservation Board increased to $40 million the funds available to help repair water systems and approved $12 million in loans this week.
- The Office of Vital Statistics and local vital records offices have issued 254 free birth certificates and waived the correction fee for 12 certificates. This collaborative effort means families affected by the floods saved a total of $4,800 in fees.
- CDOT facilitated two telephone town halls to discuss progress on repairs, access to personal property and county roads. The U.S. 34 call on Oct. 10 had more than 3,600 participants and on Oct. 22 there were 650 participants on a Coal Creek Canyon call.
Additional Counties Now Eligible for Individual and Public Assistance from FEMA
Residents of Fremont and Morgan counties whose homes or businesses were damaged in the floods now are eligible for Individual Assistance from FEMA. Also, eight additional counties are eligible for FEMA Public Assistance: Arapahoe, Crowley, Denver, Fremont, Gilpin, Lake, Lincoln and Sedgwick. Impacted residents with questions regarding FEMA assistance can call 800-621-3362 or visit www.coemergency.com
ColoradoUnited.com Successfully Provides Assistance
In its first week, more than 8,0000 people accessed the ColoradoUnited.com website to get information and resources related to the flood recovery. The ColoradoUnited team has provided the promised 24-hour response to 57 inquiries received via the Contact Us page.
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About ColoradoUnited
Gov. John Hickenlooper appointed Jerre Stead, executive chairman of Englewood-based IHS Inc., to be the state’s Chief Recovery Officer. The Recovery Team is focused on making Colorado more innovative, safer and resilient in its infrastructure, community and environment. Go to www.ColoradoUnited.com for more information.
