Ouray County emergency management warns AMPG grant may lapse Sept. 30, imperiling field staff

Glenn Boyd, the county’s Army emergency manager, told the Board of County Commissioners on May 20 that federal uncertainty puts the county’s Assistance to Firefighters/AMPG grant at risk. “Because of the Fed funding issue, our AMPG grant will run out September thirtieth of this year,” Boyd said, adding that he and a colleague had received a phone call and a letter that prompted the warning.

Boyd said the county planned a conference call later that day to “get the meat of what's going on,” and described the immediate consequence if funding is not restored: loss of emergency-management program funding and, by June 30 of next year, loss of field managers such as Bobby Lucero. “What that does mean is, a loss of funding for us for our emergency management program. And as of June thirtieth of next year, unless funding comes in, it means loss of our field managers,” Boyd said.

Commissioners acknowledged the notice and asked staff to track developments and report back once the conference call yields details. County staff also said they had alerted municipal partners in the city and town so they could coordinate responses.

The board did not adopt an immediate policy change at the May 20 meeting. Commissioners and staff indicated they would return with more information after the scheduled conference call and asked Boyd to keep the county updated as federal and state responses arrive.

County officials and municipal partners will monitor any federal funding letter and consider near-term contingency planning if the AMPG funds are not confirmed.