Hickenlooper Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Colorado Disaster Aid Denials

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement calling on the Trump administration to reverse its decision denying Individual Assistance (IA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding which were part of the State’s request following the extensive damage caused by the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires. The IA grants would have provided direct assistance to people in Pueblo and Custer Counties, including temporary housing and home repairs. The HMGP grants would have helped rebuilding communities prevent future disasters. “The Trump administration should reverse this decision,” said Hickenlooper. “Requests for individual assistance and hazard mitigation grants are not made frivolously. These resources are what’s needed to help Colorado families and communities recover and prevent future tragedies. We will continue standing with those impacted by these horrific fires and do everything we can to support them in their hour of need.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) previously approved Colorado’s request for Public Assistance following the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires. Earlier this month, FEMA also released $97 million to help Colorado communities recover from past disasters and mitigate future ones. ###