Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced Friday that Colorado will cover 75 percent of the non-federal cost share for Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) projects addressing flooding risks following the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires in Ouray, Pueblo, and Custer counties.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) covers 75 percent of eligible EWP construction costs, leaving local sponsors — the counties — responsible for the remaining 25 percent. Colorado's new commitment covers three-quarters of that local share, reducing county financial responsibility from 25 percent of eligible construction costs to 6.25 percent. Previously, the state provided no funding toward this match.

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"Colorado is doing everything it can to secure support and help Coloradans recover from these devastating fires. Covering more of the local costs will help counties protect their communities, families, homes, and infrastructure from flooding while freeing up local funds for other recovery needs. I am grateful to our local and federal partners for working together to help these communities rebuild," said Governor Polis.

"Post-fire flooding poses an imminent threat to public safety, as we have already seen on both the Gold Mountain and Aspen Acres Fires. As counties are budgeting to address other aspects of the disaster, I am happy that we will be able to provide this additional funding to help mitigate this immediate threat," said Trevor Denney, Director for the Colorado Office of Emergency Management.

"On behalf of Sheriff David J. Lucero and the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners, we are grateful to Governor Polis and the State of Colorado for this continued investment in our recovery. The Aspen Acres Fire did not end when the flames were contained; the post-fire flooding will remain a threat for years to come. This commitment significantly reduces the burden on Pueblo County while helping us protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure as our communities recover," said Joshua Johnson, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.

By reducing local flood protection costs, Colorado is also helping counties preserve funds for other disaster recovery expenses, including costs associated with damages covered under Colorado's partially approved Major Disaster Declaration. More information is available at www.colorado.gov/governor.