DENVER — FEMA will cover the costs of removing foundations, basements and burned vehicles destroyed in the Marshall Fire, Congressman Joe Neguse announced Wednesday.
Two weeks ago, Congressman Neguse penned a letter, which was signed by Senator Michael Bennet and Senator John Hickenlooper, requesting foundations be included in FEMA's Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program. In the letter, Neguse said these damaged items posed a threat to the public's health and safety as well as the economic recovery of the area.
That request was granted by FEMA, Neguse announced. Boulder County will now be reimbursed for the costs of removing the damaged foundations.
“I’m incredibly grateful to FEMA for acting so swiftly to grant our request and approve coverage of damaged basements, foundations and vehicles for homeowners who are seeing significant costs in the recovery process,” said Neguse. “In the wake of this tragedy, we must ensure that every homeowner and business owner is getting the support and recovery funds they need to rebuild, repair and get their lives back on track.”
In a statement Thursday, FEMA officials said 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 determining to include all of these eligible materials, FEMA officials said they found "that the removal of these additional categories of debris would expedite economic recovery in the affected communities."