DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $4,050,000 to the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for eligible response activities related to the COVID-19 response. The assistance was made available under the major disaster declaration issued March 28 by President Trump.
The funding is for leasing costs for the Colorado Convention Center through July 31, 2020. The center is being transformed into a temporary hospital facility by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a Mission Assignment from FEMA to support a request from the state. Initial Funding for the construction costs was previously provided.
“While we hope that patient numbers remain manageable, this facility will provide a critical backup and FEMA is glad to be able to support Colorado’s efforts to prepare,” said FEMA Region 8 Administrator Lee dePalo.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing at least a 75 percent funding share for eligible costs. Remaining costs are the responsibility of the state and local applicants for assistance. The total estimate for leasing the facility is $5.4 million.
For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements can play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.