Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced that President Trump has approved the public‑assistance portion of the state’s Major Disaster Declaration for the recent Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain wildfires. The approval unlocks federal funds to clear hazardous debris, repair roads, water systems and other critical infrastructure in Pueblo, Custer and Ouray counties.
What the assistance covers
The FEMA public‑assistance (PA) package will help state and local governments, public utilities and qualifying nonprofit groups cover eligible costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads, water lines, electric grids and other essential public assets. The request also includes support for private‑property debris removal in Pueblo and Custer counties.
Governor Polis on the impact for families
“This is a big deal for the more than 300 homeowners who lost everything,” Polis told KRDO13. “It allows us to start moving forward with debris removal, which is a public‑health hazard. No family can plan to rebuild or sell until that debris is cleared.” He added that the state expects debris removal to begin within the next month or month and a half and to be completed within a few months, giving affected families a chance to regain normalcy.
Individual assistance still pending
While the public‑assistance component is now approved, the governor’s request also included Individual Assistance (IA) for eligible households in Pueblo and Custer counties. IA would provide temporary housing, home‑repair grants, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and legal services. Polis said the administration is still awaiting approval for that portion of the request.
How the aid will be administered
With the Major Disaster Declaration now in effect, Colorado’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will coordinate with FEMA and local jurisdictions to implement the assistance. The agency will work directly with county emergency managers to prioritize debris removal and infrastructure repairs, ensuring that funds are deployed efficiently and transparently.
Why federal support matters
Wildfires like Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain leave behind not only burned landscapes but also dangerous debris flows and flooding on the burn scar. Removing that debris quickly protects public health, restores safe travel routes and safeguards water supplies. Federal assistance relieves the financial burden on local taxpayers and speeds the recovery process for families trying to rebuild their lives.
Looking ahead
Polis emphasized that the state will continue to work closely with Colorado’s congressional delegation to secure any additional resources needed for the long‑term recovery effort. He urged residents to stay informed through official channels and to cooperate with local emergency officials as cleanup operations begin.
For more details on the Major Disaster Declaration and the assistance program, visit the governor’s website or contact the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
