Letter to Deanne Criswell, Administrator Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Urge Biden and FEMA to Grant Colorado's Forthcoming Private Property Debris Removal Requests Following the Marshall Fire

Letter

We write in strong support of the State of Colorado's forthcoming request that the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approve Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) for
the Marshall Fire disaster (DR-4634, Colorado Wildfires and Straight-line Winds). We also ask
that FEMA approve funds for the removal of home foundations and the State's subsequent
request to the President for 100 percent cost share from FEMA for the PPDR program.
FEMA and other federal agency partners have provided essential assistance to help Colorado
communities respond to and recover from this disaster. The Marshall Fire was the most
destructive event in Colorado's history, causing over $680 million in damage. The fire destroyed
1,084 homes and destroyed or damaged dozens of businesses and public facilities. Two people
are dead or presumed dead because of the fire.
As we transition to the long-term recovery, debris removal is the most urgent priority for
rebuilding. The State of Colorado (the State), Boulder County, the City of Louisville, and the
Town of Superior are collaborating on a debris-removal effort in order to minimize individual
costs to survivors and provide for expeditious debris removal that conforms to public health and
safety standards.
State and local officials have determined that the debris from the destroyed homes is an
immediate threat to public health and safety, and to the economic recovery of the community at
large. This week, the State intends to request that FEMA approve PPDR to assist with debris removal efforts, including additional assistance to remove fire-damaged concrete foundations.
Unlike in other disasters such as tornados, where foundations may be reused, the intense heat of
the conflagration rendered the foundations unusable for rebuilding. This request is vital to begin
rebuilding as soon as possible for the community's broader economic recovery.
Also necessary for the communities' economic recovery is additional federal assistance. As
small communities, with large percentages of their residential housing stock destroyed, an
increase in the federal cost share for the program from 75 percent to 100 percent is critical.
Because of the staggering scale of the destruction from the Marshall Fire and the vast amount of
resources required for the community to recover, we believe that these requests are entirely
warranted. We urge your swift consideration and approval of the PPDR with the foundation
removal request. We also ask that you support the state's subsequent request for cost sharing
assistance
Thank you for your consideration and continued support. We continue to stand ready to assist as
we work toward full recovery.
Sincerely,