Tipton Sends Letter to Speaker and Minority Leader Regarding Disaster Relief for Communities Impacted by Wildfire on Federal Lands

Press Release

Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) sent a letter regarding disaster relief for communities impacted by wildfires on federal lands to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Tipton's amendments referenced in the letter would ensure that communities affected by nearby wildfires on federal lands, such as those impacted by the 416 and Burro Fires last year, are able to access disaster recovery assistance.

The letter states, "…because of statutory challenges and uncertainty surrounding what Federal programs are available to respond to the economic impact of wildfires that burn on Federal land, the people of southwestern Colorado came dangerously close to being denied the economic relief that usually accompanies this kind of natural disaster."

The letter continues, "Put simply, when the tourists don't come in their usual volume to a tourist-reliant economy because of a natural disaster, and the local financial institutions don't have the resources to offer viable loans to the businesses of that economy, the region should be able to turn to Federal resources just like other victims of natural disasters."

View the complete letter here.

Background:

Last Congress, Tipton introduced H.R. 6799, the Federal Lands Fire-Related Incidents Recovery and Economic Stimulus (Federal Lands FIRES) FIRE Act. Its purpose was to create a sub-disaster declaration that would trigger relief efforts to wildfires that burn specifically on federal lands. More information on this bill can be found here.

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