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Pueblo County approves request to seek USDA emergency watershed protection assistance after Aspen Acres Fire
Summary
Pueblo County commissioners approved sending a letter to request participation in the USDA Emergency Watershed Protection program, opening a federal assessment that county officials say could cover roughly 75% of watershed-protection costs with a county share around 25%.
Pueblo County commissioners voted July 21 to submit a letter asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate damage from the Aspen Acres Fire and consider the county for the Emergency Watershed Protection program.
A county representative said the USDA would conduct an on‑the‑ground assessment and estimate the scope and cost of needed infrastructure work. "The county, they will pay for 75% of those, costs. The county will share a 25% cost," the Committee member said while describing the program’s cost-sharing structure. The submission authorizes the USDA to begin its assessment and opens the county to applying for federal assistance if eligible.
Commissioners emphasized the step is preliminary and does not commit county dollars beyond participating in the assessment. The representative told the board the USDA could be able to come in "within a week" to begin evaluating the burn scar and estimate likely costs. The board approved the consent resolution by voice vote.
Next steps: county staff will finalize and send the letter, host any follow-up USDA site assessments, and report back with the agency’s cost estimates and the county’s potential share of required work.
