NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently confirmed that expenditures for foundation removal at homes destroyed by the Marshall Fire are eligible for financial reimbursement through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program. In addition to foundations, FEMA has included reimbursement eligibility for the removal of structural footings, basements, and burned vehicles remaining on private property. These items have been added to the list of materials eligible for Public Assistance (PA) funding, which also includes:
- Removal of surface ash, which may include three to six inches of incidental soil;
- Burned debris from the remains of homes, including partially burned furniture, personal belongings, household appliances, and patio furniture;
- Hazardous materials and pollutants; and,
- Chimneys, trees, and unsupported walls that are hazardous to debris removal crews.
In its determination, FEMA found that the removal of these additional categories of debris would expedite economic recovery in the affected communities. Given the anticipated cost related to the removal of foundations, the three jurisdictions were relieved to learn of FEMA’s determination that these costs are eligible for reimbursement. Per FEMA’s PPDR program, FEMA’s share of the cost would be 75% and the remaining 25% would be split by the State and the jurisdiction that is home to the property.
“This is the news from FEMA that we were hoping to hear,” said Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy. “I cannot thank our partners at FEMA enough for the guidance and financial support they’ve provided. Their contributions to this recovery effort have gone well beyond financial assistance and I’m very happy they’ve been here working alongside all of us since the beginning. I also want to recognize the significant work of Boulder County staff and our congressional delegation in helping us make the case to FEMA for this decision.”
City of Louisville Mayor Ashley Stolzmann commented, “It is imperative that we remove this toxic debris now and we are grateful to our state and federal partners for considering and approving the request to include foundations for financial reimbursement as part of the program. This financial support is critical to getting families back home.”
“Debris removal is the biggest priority in our recovery process now,” said Superior Mayor Clint Folsom. “Having the commitments from FEMA for reimbursement of the debris removal and foundation removal is a significant step. We are very appreciative of the tremendous support from FEMA and other federal programs.”
More information on the coordinated debris removal program is available at www.BoCo.org/Marshall-Debris-
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