Udall, Bennet Welcome FEMA's Addition of Jefferson, El Paso, Clear Creek Counties to Disaster Declaration

Press Release

U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet welcomed the Federal Emergency Management Agency's decision today to add Jefferson, El Paso and Clear Creek counties to its disaster declaration for the recent Colorado flood. Thanks to these additions, Coloradans displaced by the flood will be able to obtain short-term aid, such as rental, transportation and clothing assistance.

"FEMA's addition of Jefferson, El Paso and Clear Creek counties to its disaster declaration is welcome news for Coloradans who lost their homes as a result of the terrible flooding our state has endured," Udall said. "I am proud FEMA heeded my calls and those of the entire delegation to swiftly help Coloradans in need. This is a great step forward, but I will keep fighting to ensure Colorado has all of the federal resources and tools we need to respond to and recover from this tragic disaster."

"The flooding in Colorado left a wake of destruction in communities up and down the Front Range. Residents who have suffered losses in all the counties now part of the disaster declaration should register with FEMA as soon as possible," Bennet said. "The rebuilding process is going to take some time, but Coloradans are resilient and will build back better than before."

Any Coloradan who has sustained loss or damage due to these severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides, should register a claim with FEMA Disaster Assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. When registering, they should have the following information available:

Social Security Number (including spouse);
Private insurance information, if available;
Address and zip code of the damaged property;
Directions to the damaged home or property; and,
Telephone number where FEMA can reach you.
Disaster-related assistance may include:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable;
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items;
Unemployment payments for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and do not qualify for state benefits, such as the self-employed;
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance;
Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; and,
Advisory assistance for veterans' benefits and Social Security matters.
Udall, Bennet and Colorado's members of the U.S. House of Representatives have worked since the flooding began to ensure Colorado communities and agencies have every federal resource they need to save lives, protect homes and start the recovery process. Udall and Bennet each spoke to the nation Tuesday from the U.S. Senate floor to underscore not only the extent of the disaster itself, but also the resilience and strength Coloradans have shown over the past week. The lawmakers will continue to coordinate with Colorado's congressional delegation and federal agencies to advocate for additional federal resources to aid in recovery efforts.

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