September 15, 2023
Marshall Fire Recovery Newsletter – Sept. 15, 2023
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Funding available for disaster mitigation measures
The Department of Local Affairs Wind and Wildfire Home Protection Mitigation Program encourages incorporating disaster mitigation measures while rebuilding. It is available for owners of a primary residence impacted by a state declared disaster since 2018, including the Marshall Fire and Straight Line Wind event. It is an extension of the State of Colorado Housing Recovery Program.
Two funding options are available for disaster mitigation measures (i.e., home hardening):
Up to $30,000 (funded as up to $5,000 grant, and up to $25,000 forgivable or traditional loan, dependent on income and rebuilding gap)
Up to $5,000 grant only (not dependent on income or a rebuilding gap) - Awards in this fund category are limited to a total of $2,000,000.
Get detailed information on eligible mitigation measures and how to apply.
Mental health services continue to be available
Mental Health Partners (on-going counseling)
To access counseling services and crisis support, you can call 303-545-0852 or email communityoutreach@mhpcolorado.org. View a list of additional community resources.
Jewish Family Service and Community Foundation Boulder County (on-going counseling)
Jewish Family Service and Community Foundation Boulder County continue to offer Boulder County Crisis Counseling to residents. The program offers 10 free individual or family counseling sessions and provides a pool of more than 250 licensed providers from which to choose.
Boulder County funds local non-profits to increase wildfire mitigation work
Boulder County has selected the Boulder Watershed Collective and The Watershed Center as its two, local, non-profit partners to perform wildfire mitigation education and outreach and implement strategic forest and grassland management projects. Each local non-profit will receive $200,000 per year for five years to fund two, full-time positions. Funding will come from the county’s new Wildfire Mitigation Sales Tax passed by voters in 2022. Learn more about the wildfire mitigation work.
FEMA and FCC plan nationwide emergency alert test
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall.
The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Learn more about what to expect during the nationwide alert test.
Financial assistance resources
Property owners of Colorado communities impacted by state-declared or federally-declared disasters may be eligible for financial resources to rebuild or rehabilitate a residential property affected by those disasters.
The Colorado Disaster Rebuilds Program website provides applications to access to grants, rebates, forgivable loans, and traditional loans that are available by State, municipal, and philanthropic funding sources. Additional financial information is available on the Marshall Fire Recovery website.
Help Marshall ROC recognize all of the amazing response and recovery heroes
Marshall ROC (Restoring Our Community), the long-term recovery group for the Marshall Fire and Windstorm, needs your help in recognizing all of the amazing volunteers, donors, businesses, individuals, and organizations who have helped in the recovery, rebuilding, and restoring of our community. The Marshall Fire and Windstorm Disaster recovery continues to require the hard work and dedication of so many individuals and organizations. Over the last 20 months and counting, think about who has made a positive difference in your life and/or recovery and rebuilding journey. Who you think should be recognized as a "Marshall ROC Star?" Submit a nomination(s) form by Sunday, Oct. 1. There are many hearts and heroes in our community who deserve a special thank you, so please feel free to nominate multiple Marshall ROC Stars - there is no limit to the number of ROC Stars who will be honored.
Marshall Fire Moving Forward - Funding and Resource Fair
Save the Date! The Marshall Fire Moving Forward - Funding and Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Ascent Community Church, 550 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville. Session 1 takes place from 10 a.m. to noon and Session 2 will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is free and will begin Monday, Sept. 18. Join Marshall ROC, the Colorado State Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), and more than 30 disaster recovery partners, funders, government agencies, municipalities, recovery navigators, and nonprofit organizations who are collaborating to present a community-wide event focused on providing the most up-to-date information on funding and all the recovery and rebuilding resources available to support you. Learn more about the Funding and Resource Fair.
Upcoming Meetings
Boulder County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Open HouseAllenspark, Big Elk Meadows, Pinewood Springs and Lyons (North Mountain Zone)Where: Allenspark Fire District, 14861 Highway 7When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 9-11 a.m. (presentation at 9 a.m.)
Survivor to Survivor ForumTuesday, Sept. 19, 8 p.m.Zoom – registration required
Contents IntensiveWednesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m.Zoom – registration requiredThis webinar will provide strategies for completing your home inventory, as well as tips for understanding depreciation and collecting what you’re owed.
Boulder County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update for Zone DSaturday, Sept. 23, 10–11 a.m.Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton RoadJoin us for an informational session on Boulder County CWPP update for Zone D: Louisville, Superior, Marshall and Eldorado Springs. This is an opportunity to hear results from input by the community from the open house event on June 10 and ask questions.Registration required
Disaster Strong Series: Train-the-Trainer WorkshopTuesday, Sept. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.Boulder Jewish Community Center, 6007 Oreg AveRegistration required. This workshop is intended for participants who want to support preparedness efforts in the Boulder County community by becoming Community Preparedness Ambassadors who work to teach community peers the essentials of disaster preparedness. There’s no need to have any prior knowledge of disaster preparedness – this series will equip participants with all the info they’ll need to successfully facilitate the preparedness content to peers by covering emergency notification information, how to conduct a personal risk assessment, creating a plan, and facilitation skills.
Animal Disaster PreparednessWednesday, Sept. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton RoadCome to the workshop with Boulder County Animal Control Officers and Front Range Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps for training on topics for Animal Disaster Preparedness including evacuations.Registration required
Wildfire PartnersFriday, Sept. 29, 5:3-6:30 p.m.Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton RoadWildfire Partners will lead a free, interactive discussion on topics such as non-combustible fencing options, creating or adjusting landscaping to meet fire-wise standards, and working together to create resiliency in neighborhoods with small lots and minimal setbacks between homes.Registration require
Disaster Strong Series: Disaster Preparedness BasicsTuesday, Oct. 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.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