President approves disaster assistance for Black Forest Fire




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
July 27, 2013

Media Contact:
Micki Trost, Public Information Officer
Cell:  303-472-4087

President approves disaster assistance for Black Forest Fire

DENVER – Tuesday, July 27, 2013 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified Gov. John Hickenlooper Friday evening that Colorado’s request for a major disaster declaration related to the Black Forest Fire in El Paso County was approved by President Barack Obama.  The declaration prompts the release of Federal funds needed for the recovery of individuals and communities in El Paso County. 

Assistance funded by the disaster declaration includes:
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA):  Assistance to provide unemployment benefits and reemployment services to individuals who have become unemployed as a result of a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular State unemployment insurance.
  • Crisis Counseling (CC):  Assistance to individuals and communities recovering from the effects of disasters.
  • Public Assistance (PA):  Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
  • Hazard Mitigation (HM):  Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Coloradoans interested in learning more about the application process to apply for assistance or to receive additional information should contact the Colorado Office of Emergency Management at 720-852-6697 or COEmergency.com.
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