FEMA Funds for Colorado on Hold Due to Government Shutdown and Immigration Policy
More than $36.5 million in emergency preparedness funds for Colorado are on hold due to the government shutdown, lawsuits, and immigration policy changes, according to state officials.
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 is also a requirement.
- Providing updated population estimates is another condition.
States led by Democratic governors, including Colorado, have sued the Trump administration to remove some of the terms, which they argue are illegal.
States are waiting on President Trump to issue a "major disaster declaration," which would unlock millions of dollars of FEMA funding.
The declaration would help states receive emergency funds for disasters like the Lee and Elk fires in Colorado this summer.
Author's Summary
Colorado's $36.5 million FEMA funds are on hold due to government shutdown and immigration policy changes.