Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet congratulated the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) on being named Community Preparedness Heroes by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its flood recovery efforts following monsoon rains around the Waldo Canyon burn scar.
“The Waldo Canyon fire was a devastating event that displaced hundreds of Colorado families,” Bennet said. “Thankfully, the Coalition for the Upper South Platte has answered the call time and time again when their community has needed them. Whether it’s a fire, a flood, or a drought, Coloradans continually rush to help their neighbors out in times of need. This recognition is well-deserved.”
As the region’s largest watershed agency working in the Central Front Range, CUSP coordinates and implements major cross-disciplinary environmental protection and reclamation efforts aimed at preparing and responding to environmental issues. In the wake of the Waldo Canyon fire and monsoon rains, CUSP immediately stepped up to the plate with an effective sequence of flood recovery efforts to protect life and property. CUSP continues to work with businesses, individuals, government and other organizations to plan for post-fire flooding and keep communities informed.
More information on the winners of the 2014 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards can be found at http://www.ready.gov/citizen-corps/citizen-corps-awards.