FEMA Awards Colorado Nearly $16.7 Million for Coronavirus Response Efforts

DENVER, Colorado, April 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $16,688,096.55 to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for eligible response activities related to the COVID-19 response. The funding was made available under the major disaster declaration issued March 28 by President Trump.

The award is expedited funding to assist the state in its purchases in March and April of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as disposable gowns, masks, face shields, safety glasses and gloves, sanitizer, respirators, and ventilators to assist hospitals, medical clinics, city and county governments, and certain private-non-profits across the state.

"These funds will help Colorado and its communities in the battle against COVID-19," said FEMA Region 8 Administrator Lee dePalo. "This is an example of how all levels of government are coming together to ensure the health and welfare of the public."

FEMA's Public Assistance program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing at least a 75 percent funding share for eligible costs. Remaining costs are the responsibility of the state and local applicants for assistance.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements can play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.