DENVER ~ Colorado to Cover Most Local Costs for Post-Fire Flood Protection

DENVER — Colorado will pay 75% of the local cost share for federal watershed protection projects aimed at reducing flood risks after the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires, Gov. Jared Polis announced.

The funding will support projects in Ouray, Pueblo and Custer counties, helping communities protect residents, homes and infrastructure as fire-damaged watersheds recover.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service provides funding and technical assistance through its Emergency Watershed Protection program. The agency covers 75% of eligible construction costs, while local sponsors—in this case, counties—typically pay the remaining 25%.

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With the state covering three-quarters of the counties' share, their contribution will fall to 6.25% of eligible construction costs. Colorado had not previously contributed to the local match.

Polis said the additional support would help counties address flood threats while preserving local funds for other recovery needs. Colorado Office of Emergency Management Director Trevor Denney said post-fire flooding poses an immediate public safety risk, as seen after both fires.

Pueblo County Emergency Management Coordinator Joshua Johnson said the state's commitment would ease the county's financial burden. The Aspen Acres Fire's impacts, he said, will continue beyond containment, with flooding remaining a threat for years.

The state said the investment will also help counties retain funds for other disaster recovery expenses, including local costs tied to damages covered by federal Public Assistance funding under Colorado's partially approved major disaster declaration.

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