Government Shutdown Affects FEMA Funds for Colorado
More than $36.5 million in emergency preparedness funds for Colorado are on hold due to the government shutdown, lawsuits, and immigration policy changes.
The state is using existing federal funds to cover salaries and counter-terrorism programs in the interim.
- The terms and conditions for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants require sharing immigration data with federal officials.
- Assisting in deportations and providing updated population estimates are also required.
These terms may affect whether states can receive emergency funds for disasters like the Lee and Elk fires in Colorado.
States led by Democratic governors, including Colorado, have sued the Trump administration to remove some of the terms, which they argue are illegal.
The state is waiting on President Trump to issue a “major disaster declaration,” which would unlock millions of dollars of FEMA funding.
Author's summary: Colorado's FEMA funds are on hold due to government shutdown and lawsuits.