DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $46.8 million in funding for COVID-19 response efforts in the City and County of Denver. This is in addition to $10.2 million that Denver received earlier through an expedited process. To date, FEMA has provided more than $387 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response statewide in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020.
The $46.8 million was provided to Denver for establishing and operating emergency congregate and non-congregate shelters in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Denver utilized contracted services to provide emergency sheltering to vulnerable members of the community needing isolation and quarantine. Such services include, but are not limited to, the following: facility leasing; staffing and support services; medical services; wraparound services; and, other related services.
Funding for this project is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75 percent federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100 percent cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January. 20, 2020 and September. 30, 2021.
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 play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.