DENVER, Colo. (RFD News) — Colorado is providing additional funding to help reduce flooding risks in areas affected by the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires.
Gov. Jared Polis announced the state will cover 75% of the non-federal cost share for Emergency Watershed Protection projects in Ouray, Pueblo and Custer counties.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service covers 75% of eligible construction costs, typically leaving counties responsible for the remaining 25%. The new state funding will reduce the counties’ share to 6.25%.
The projects are aimed at protecting communities and infrastructure from post-fire flooding as affected watersheds recover. The Colorado Office of Emergency Management says flooding in the burn scar areas remains an immediate public safety concern.
The funding will also allow counties to preserve more local resources for other recovery expenses following this summer’s fires.
