Colo. Gov. Announces State Aid for Town of Granby

Colorado Governor Bill Owens announced he is making up to $600,000 available in grants from the Department of Local Affairs to help the town of Granby with the recovery efforts in the wake of the bulldozer attack on June 4. The Governor also announced that the state will provide on-site assistance in Granby from the Department of Labor and Employment.

“Throughout the state, people have been saddened by the events and devastation in Granby but also deeply impressed by the resiliency of the citizens and their commitment to rebuild,” said Owens. “We understand that the financial resources of a small town are limited and that state assistance is a critical part of their recovery effort.”

Owens directed Mike Beasley, executive director for the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), to commit up to $600,000 through the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund to help with rebuilding of public and civic facilities.

Owens announced that the town of Granby will receive up to $500,000 to help reconstruct the town hall and that the Grand County Library District will receive up to $100,000 to help rebuild the library.

“We began working with local officials at the scene last Friday night and we will continue to work closely with them throughout the recovery,” Beasley said. “The department’s Division of Emergency Management, Division of Local Government, and Division of Housing are all part of this effort, identifying how we can assist with rebuilding and providing continuity of government.”

Also as part of the assistance package, Jeff Wells, executive director of the Department of Labor and Employment, has authorized a Rapid Response team to bring services directly to those affected by last weekend’s rampage.

“The entire town is coming together to clean up following this unfortunate event. Our Rapid Response team will have staff at the Granby Workforce Center at 469 East Topaz starting at 10 a.m. this Friday, June 11, to answer questions and assist people who have lost jobs as a result of the destruction,” Wells said.

Workers who are unable to return to their jobs may be qualified for unemployment benefits while their workplace is being rebuilt. If a damaged business does not plan to reopen, the Rapid Response team will provide those workers with reemployment assistance.