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Governor Polis, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper Call on President Trump to Reverse Denial of Colorado's Disaster Requests, and to Provide Needed Support in Aftermath of Recent Devastating Fires and Floods

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DENVER - After the denial of Colorado's two Major Disaster Declaration requests for the Elk and Lee Fires and the flooding in Western Colorado, issued late Saturday night, Governor Polis, Senator Hickenlooper and Senator Bennet call on President Trump to reconsider through an appeal that will be filed shortly. These federal declarations would have unlocked FEMA funding to support the recovery efforts for each of these disasters, providing critical aid to impacted Western Colorado residents and businesses.

"Coloradans impacted by the Elk and Lee fires and the flooding in Southwestern Colorado deserve better than the political games President Trump is playing. One of the most amazing things to witness as Governor has been the resilience of Coloradans following a natural disaster. Their courage, strength, and willingness to help one another is unmatched – values that President Trump seems to have forgotten. I call on the President's better angels, and urge him to reconsider these requests. This is about the Coloradans who need this support, and we won't stop fighting for them to get what they deserve. Colorado will be appealing this decision," said Governor Jared Polis.

"President Trump's decision to deny Colorado's request for critical federal assistance is unacceptable," said Senator Michael Bennet. "Communities in Western Colorado are in serious need of help after the life-threatening flooding and historic wildfires earlier this year. Trump continues to use Coloradans for political games; it is malicious and obscene. A disaster is a disaster, regardless of what state in the country it took place. Together with Governor Polis and the Colorado delegation, I will take every available step to appeal this decision."

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"Coloradans are trying to rebuild their lives after fires and floods destroyed homes and communities across our state. Trump's decision to reject our disaster requests, and therefore withhold resources as our communities continue to recover, is unacceptable. This isn't a game. These are people's lives," said Senator John Hickenlooper.

A recent study shows that for every $1.00 Coloradans pay in federal taxes, we only receive $0.90 in federal investments.The State of Colorado invested over $57.5 million in these and other disasters since July 2024. The State does not have the capacity to continue to provide assistance to local communities to support the recovery efforts without federal assistance. The losses from both of these disasters exceeded FEMA's threshold to approve a federal disaster declaration.

Elk and Lee Fires

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster Emergency on August 3, 2025 for the Elk Fire which was updated on August 6th to include the Lee Fire. The Governor also authorized the deployment of the Colorado National Guard and unlocked over $18.5 million dollars in state funding for suppression, response and recovery efforts. This verbal declaration was later memorialized through an Executive Order on August 28th. The state has demonstrated, and FEMA validated, an initial $27,491,064 in damages from these fires and mudslides, which is expected to grow over time.

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Rio Blanco County's economy is driven largely by energy production, particularly from the Piceance Basin, which produces approximately two to five percent of the United States' daily consumption of natural gas. This local industry is powered by two local utility providers who have sustained over $24 million in damages to their infrastructure. Without support to recover local utility infrastructure, stalled production risks the local economy, major rate increases on Coloradans and beyond, and local economic collapse.

Western Colorado Flooding

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on October 12, 2025, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan and authorizing initial state support. This was later memorialized in Executive Order D 2025 021, which unlocked $6 million in state funding for flood response and recovery. The State sent field and emergency operations personnel to all three counties, and led extensive damage assessments alongside local partners. Local jurisdictions declared their own emergencies beginning October 11 and requested state assistance as hundreds of homes were threatened or inundated, levees broke, and roadways washed out across the region. Despite this damage, thankfully no fatalities or injuries were reported.

More than 60 miles of road and associated culverts, drainage structures, and embankments were destroyed or severely compromised in three counties, Archuleta, La Plata and Mineral. Additional verified damages include widespread debris removal needs, significant impacts to water control facilities such as the Big Meadows Reservoir, major sewer system failures in Pagosa Springs and the San Juan River Village Metro District, and severe damage to parks, riverwalks, and recreation infrastructure that support local economies. Damage totals exceed $13 million and are expected to rise as further assessments continue. Again, these losses exceeded FEMA's threshold to approve a federal disaster declaration.

The Western Colorado Flooding destroyed or damaged essential drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including near-total sewer system failures in the Pagosa Springs area. Floodwaters breached levees, triggered evacuations for nearly 400 homes, prompted multiple boil-water advisories, and caused at least 11 high-water rescues by local first responders. Rivers reached historic levels — including the San Juan River's third-highest crest since 1911 — and debris flows, sediment deposits, and rechanneling of waterways have created long-term risks for residents living along Vallecito Creek, the Piedra River, and the San Juan River basin.

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