Congressman John Salazar Applauds FEMA, Urges USDA To Do More

Las Animas And Larimer Counties Eligible For FEMA Funds

Washington, DC-  After several storms buried parts of Colorado, two more counties, Las Animas and Larimer, have been added to President Bush’s original emergency declaration lists issued on January 7.  These counties are now eligible to receive snow emergency funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) continues to urge the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do more.   

“I appreciate any help rural Colorado receives,” Rep. Salazar said.  “But the FEMA funds only go to snow removal and emergency needs. Our farmers and ranchers were hit the hardest with these storms; more than 10,000 cattle were lost or found dead.

The USDA made loans available for farmers and ranchers and is in the process of assessing the damage done by the winter blizzards. Depending on the severity of the damage, an Agriculture Disaster Declaration could be made.  If that happens, program funding from within the USDA would be made available for feed, livestock carcass, and disposal programs.

“Our farmers and ranchers can’t afford to take out another loan to keep the family farm,” said Salazar.  “I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that the USDA makes an Agriculture Disaster Declaration.” 

The other counties listed in the original January 7 disaster declaration were Adams, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Boulder, Broomfield, Crowley, Custer, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo, Teller and Washington.