Washington, DC – Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, U.S. Senators for Colorado, today pushed for a Small Business Administration disaster declaration for areas damaged by the Fourmile Canyon fire to enable homeowners and businesses to obtain low-interest loans to help cover their uninsured losses from the fire.
In a letter to U.S. Small Business Administrator Karen G. Mills, Udall and Bennet expressed their support for the state of Colorado’s request for an SBA disaster declaration for Boulder County and the surrounding areas. Governor Ritter made the request earlier this week.
“The Fourmile Canyon Fire was the most destructive in our state, and this would go a long way toward helping people get back on their feet,” Senator Udall said. “I want to thank Governor Ritter and his team for their leadership during this fire, and I join him and Senator Bennet in urging the SBA to support Colorado’s request.”
“As Boulder families and small businesses are working to rebuild after this devastating wildfire, the disaster loan program can provide important assistance to help them get back on their feet,” said Bennet. “I urge the SBA to support Colorado’s request for disaster designation to free up more resources for Colorado families and small business owners.”
Text of the letter is included below:
Dear Administrator Mills:
We write to express our strong support for the state of Colorado’s request for a Small Business Administration (“SBA”) disaster declaration for Boulder County and the surrounding areas, which have sustained significant damage in the Fourmile Canyon fire. This declaration would enable victims of the fire to participate in the SBA’s disaster loan program.
Earlier this month, a wildfire broke out in Fourmile Canyon in Boulder County, Colorado. While the fire was recently contained, approximately 158 homes and businesses incurred substantial damage, a fire station was destroyed and several thousand acres of both private and public lands burned. According to state officials, the damage represents the most structures ever burned in a Colorado wildfire.
As you know, the SBA’s disaster loan program provides homeowners and businesses with low-interest loans to help cover their uninsured losses. As the Boulder community works to rebuild from the Fourmile fire, the disaster loan program can provide an important source of financing for both families and business owners.
Given the severity of the fire and the long-term challenges to the community, it is our hope that the SBA will approve Colorado’s request in the most expeditious manner possible.
If you have any questions regarding the foregoing, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.