Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis has formally appealed the federal government’s denial of disaster aid following significant wildfires and historic flooding that devastated rural areas in the state. The appeal comes after the Trump administration rejected requests for federal disaster declarations related to the Lee Fire and Elk Fire, as well as severe flooding in October 2023. The governor argues that these rural communities require support to recover from extensive damage.
Assessing the Damage
According to the Colorado Governor’s Office, the Lee Fire burned approximately 137,000 acres, while the Elk Fire scorched nearly 15,000 acres, resulting in a combined impact that blackened over 237 square miles. Initial estimates indicate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has validated about $27.5 million in damages from the wildfires and mudslides, alongside approximately $13.8 million in damage to public roads and infrastructure caused by the flooding. These figures remain preliminary as assessments continue in severely affected communities like Pagosa Springs.
Governor Polis stated, “We are submitting these appeals to help ensure that the Colorado communities impacted can get the support they deserve to recover more quickly.” The state’s officials aim to provide additional assessments and documentation to strengthen their case as they challenge FEMA’s decision.
FEMA’s Decision and Political Reactions
FEMA determined that the damage from the fires and flooding did not meet its criteria for a major disaster declaration, leading to the rejection of Colorado’s request. In response, the White House has denied allegations that political considerations influenced its decision, emphasizing that requests are evaluated “with great care and consideration,” as reported by The Associated Press.
In light of these developments, Colorado’s congressional delegation, including Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, have criticized the denials, labeling them as unacceptable and pledging their support for the appeal. Polis and state officials are currently compiling evidence and awaiting the outcome of FEMA’s review.
The state’s appeal will follow FEMA’s two-tier administrative process, which starts at the regional level and can escalate to FEMA headquarters if necessary. A Congressional Research Service analysis notes that successful appeals often require timely submissions of detailed damage assessments to bolster the state’s case. Thus, the urgency of the situation is compounded by the need for thorough documentation.
As Colorado navigates this bureaucratic challenge, many local leaders express concern for the rural communities that remain in a state of uncertainty. Recovery efforts hinge on the outcome of the appeal, leaving towns reliant on federal support in a precarious situation as they prepare for the next steps in their recovery plans.