FEMA Funds for Colorado on Hold Due to Government Shutdown and Immigration Policy Changes
More than $36.5 million in emergency preparedness funds for Colorado are on hold because of 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 include a requirement to share immigration data with federal officials.
- Assist in deportations.
- Provide updated population estimates.
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 state is still waiting for this declaration, which would provide emergency funds for disasters like the Lee and Elk fires in Colorado this summer.
Author summary: Colorado faces funding hold due to government shutdown.