November 10, 2023
Marshall Fire Recovery Newsletter – Nov. 10, 2023
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Community Foundation Boulder County launches Housing Support Program for Marshall Fire survivors
Community Foundation Boulder County announces the creation of a Housing Support Program, continuing its commitment to meeting the ongoing and evolving needs of those affected by the Marshall Fire. The Housing Support Program will offer up to $5 million in support for qualifying households that are currently or will soon experience financial hardship due to the sunsetting of Additional Living Expense (ALE) insurance. Two years after the Marshall Fire damaged or destroyed over one thousand homes in Boulder County, many of those still in recovery are finding their ALE is set to end in December 2023. The Housing Support Program is supported by the community foundation’s Boulder County Wildfire Fund. Learn more about obtaining housing support.
Department of Revenue provides clarification on sales tax refund
The Department of Revenue (DOR) provided the following clarifications regarding the state's sales tax refund.
The Department of Revenue State Sales Tax Refund for Rebuilding after a Declared Wildfire Disaster processing time is approximately 4 weeks from receipt to check issuance. This time can vary if DOR receives a large influx at one time, but statutorily, these refunds are processed prior to other types of refunds.
Refunds will only be issued by a paper check mailed to the mailing address listed under “Homeowner Information” on the DR 0993 form submitted to DOR.
For different ownership structures, the tax ID number may be used in place of the SSN. The property still needs to be for residential use.
The refund is 4% of the cost amount used by the local government to collect estimated use tax in connection with the issuance of a building permit – refund amounts will not be updated based on actual material costs of the property. Property owners can submit DR 0992 to the permitting jurisdiction to receive DR 0993 for submission to DOR immediately after receiving a building permit.
Learn more about the tax refund and check your availability.
Marshall Fire recovery navigation services to end March 2024
Marshall Fire and Wind Event survivors find themselves in many different stages of recovery as they approach the two-year anniversary of the disaster. Some have returned to their homes, while others are just embarking on their recovery journey. Throughout the aftermath of this devastating event, Recovery Navigators have been a lifeline for more than a thousand survivors by guiding them through their recovery process.
The Navigating Disaster Program plans to conclude its in-person services in March 2024. Survivors just starting their recovery/rebuilding process or those who would like additional in-person one-on-one support are encouraged to reach out to the Navigating Disaster program prior to Dec. 1 to allow enough time to receive the recovery support needed. Learn more about how Recovery Navigators can help you.
Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety provides update on Lewis Mine Fire Mitigation Project
The revised Lewis Mine Fire Mitigation Project is currently out for bid with construction scheduled to begin in early January 2024. The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) remains committed to completing this important work during early 2024, with project activities completed by late April 2024. Due to time and budgetary constraints the original scope of work for the Lewis Mine Fire Mitigation Project has been modified. Learn more about the Lewis Mine Mitigation Project Update.
Division of Insurance again requesting ALE extensions for Marshall Fire survivors
Today, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), issued a request to the homeowners’ insurance companies with policyholders in the Marshall Fire area with a specific ask to extend additional living expenses (ALE) benefits in homeowners’ policies for people still rebuilding their homes. ALE benefits help with expenses people have when they can’t live in their home due to a catastrophic event like a fire, but still need a place to live and the other necessities of life. Learn more and read the letter to insurers.
Xcel to deploy 21 wildfire detection cameras statewide in prevention effort
Nearly two years after the Marshall Fire, Xcel Energy announced the deployment of 21 wildfire detection cameras statewide in partnership with San Francisco-based Pano AI. Three are already in operation in Boulder County with 18 more to come by the end of the year. Learn more.
Boulder County launches new Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program
Boulder County is launching a new Strategic Fuels Mitigation Grant (SFMG) Program to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire to people, homes, property, and infrastructure throughout the county. The program provides grant funding through coordination with federal, state, and local wildfire mitigation funding sources.
Organizations and agencies that may apply for a SFMG grant include:
Local government entities in Boulder County
Private utilities, ditch companies, and water providers
Homeowners associations
State agencies that own or manage land in Boulder County
Non-profit groups
Learn more about the mitigation grant program.
Wildfire Protection Plan needs your input
The draft version of the Mountain View Fire Protection District Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is open for public review and comment through Monday, Nov. 13. Residents are encouraged to take a look at the materials and provide feedback.
Rep. Neguse, Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper fight to expand insurance coverage for families impacted by the Marshall Fire
Congressman Joe Neguse, Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper penned a letter to ten insurance companies representing Colorado’s homeowners, urging them to extend Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage from 24 months to 36 months for survivors of the Marshall Fire. Their letter follows recent reports that fewer than two-hundred individuals impacted by the Marshall Fire have been able to return home. Read more and view the letter.
Superior breaks ground on new museum
The Superior Historical Commission and town staff are working with a design firm to build a new museum; a replica of the Mine Camp House lost in the Marshall Fire. The museum reopened temporarily in a different location with donations from the public. This week, a groundbreaking ceremony for a replica of the building that burned down that will be built in the same place the old building once stood. View the story on 9News.
Upcoming Meetings
Disaster Preparedness BasicsTuesday, Nov. 14, 6-7 p.m.North Boulder Recreation Center, Multi Purpose Room, 3170 BroadwayRegistration required
Strategies for Settling – Collecting Every DimeThursday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m.Zoom registration required
Marshall Fire Conservation WorkshopSaturday, Nov. 18, 2-4 p.m.Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St.Conservators will be available to discuss how to clean, stabilize, and preserve items damaged by the Marshall Fire. Free conservation kits will also be available. Drop in, no registration required.
Survivor to Survivor Forum (for wildfire survivors)Tuesday, Nov. 28, 8 p.m.Zoom – registration required
Information/Resources
Rebates, Discounts, and Incentives
Boulder County Rebuilding Better
Sign up for the EnergySmart Newsletter
The latest information and resources are located on the Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery website or contact Katie Arrington, Assistant Recovery Manager for Boulder County, karrington@bouldercounty.org