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Congressman John T. Salazar -- Defending Rural Values -- Third District of Colorado
  For immediate release  
  January 8, 2007  
 

Congressman John Salazar Urges FEMA To Include Ranchers In Relief Fund

 
 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3) called Monday on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) repeating his request to compensate Colorado ranchers whose cattle were lost or killed during the recent blizzards.  In a letter last week, the Congressman urged President Bush to declare a state of emergency and send disaster relief to Otero, Las Animas, Baca, Prowers, Bent, Crowley and Kiowa counties.

Though two federal disaster declarations were made Sunday night allowing FEMA to reimburse local governments for some expenses including emergency medical care and police support, the agency has yet to send relief to ranchers whose cattle were lost or killed during the snowstorms. 

Congressman Salazar: “The administration and FEMA are not getting the job done.  More than 10,000 head of livestock have been found dead because of the recent blizzards that buried parts of southeastern Colorado in up to 8 feet of snow. Disaster relief is vital to ranchers in rural Colorado whose livelihood has been severely threatened.

“These storms come at a time when rural Coloradans are already struggling to get by on lower incomes and very little support from the federal government.  For FEMA to not do its duty during a time of emergency is irresponsible and unacceptable. Our families in rural Colorado depend on that livestock to support their families and put food on the table. 

“There is still time for FEMA to do its part and support--not fail-- rural ranchers who are just trying to make a living and feed their families. FEMA must take responsibility and do its job to help these ranchers during a state of emergency.”

Last week Congressman Salazar sent a letter to President Bush urging him to respond to the recent blizzards in Colorado and warning him of the economic hardship that ranchers face after the storms ended.  The letter is attached below.

 
 

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