The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Colorado’s request for funding to support businesses harmed by a wildfire that grew to over 100,000 acres in southern Colorado this summer.
The Aspen Acres Fire, the seventh-largest wildfire in Colorado history, destroyed more than 200 structures across Pueblo and Custer counties.
Loans will be available for businesses to repair or replace damaged property and meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the fire. Homeowners and renters can also apply for loans to repair or replace property damaged by the fire. Funds can also be used to protect property from future damage that may come up as a result of damage from the fire.
Starting Oct. 19, the SBA opened Disaster Loan Assistance Centers in Pueblo and Custer counties where residents, property owners, renters, nonprofits and business owners can seek assistance applying for loans.
Loans are also available to support businesses who suffered economic injury in counties surrounding the fire: Crowley, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero and Saguache counties.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) issued a major disaster declaration for the fire, opening up more state resources as well as Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to support firefighting efforts. President Donald Trump approved public assistance funding for communities harmed by the fire, but denied individual assistance and hazard mitigation funding.
State officials announced that an investigation had determined the fire was ignited by an aspen tree that fell on a power line during high winds at the end of June. — Lindsey Toomer, Colorado Newsline
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