The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has issued alerts to state staff and local partners about potential disruptions to emergency management funding, citing delays in federal grant awards from the Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program. EMPG, which typically provides approximately $6 million annually to DHSEM, supports 24 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions at the state level, and funds critical resources for 55 county emergency management programs through a 50% cost-share agreement.

In an email to stakeholders, DHSEM Division Director Kevin Klein outlined the challenges stemming from federal funding uncertainties. “Given the current state of affairs, we may not receive the EMPG grants we’ve relied on to support local emergency management programs,” he wrote. While DHSEM has temporarily extended existing FY24 EMPG funds through September 30, 2025 – in part due to cost-saving measures - the agency warned that no further funding will be available after this period without a new federal award for fiscal year 2025.

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The situation echoes broader federal grant program freezes dating back to January 27, 2025, when the Trump administration halted funding for multiple homeland security and preparedness initiatives, including EMPG, Homeland Security Grant Program, and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities programs. Colorado joined lawsuits challenging these freezes, which were partially resolved after a court ruled in favor of the states on constitutional grounds. However, lingering legal battles over revised grant terms and conditions continue to complicate matters.

Klein emphasized DHSEM’s efforts to minimize impacts, including identifying alternative funding sources, reprioritizing resources, and advocating for congressional support. The division is collaborating with Governor Jared Polis’ office, the Colorado Congressional Delegation, and professional organizations to restore federal aid. “We don’t have all the answers yet,” Klein acknowledged in a staff update, stressing transparency as he pledged regular updates through town halls and written communications.

The funding uncertainty comes on the heels of last month’s cancellation of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program, another critical tool for disaster preparedness. Local emergency management leaders have expressed concern about sustaining operations amid potential budget shortfalls, particularly as Colorado faces ongoing risks from wildfires, floods, and other disasters.

Congress passed a February 2025 continuing resolution authorizing FY25 preparedness grants at FY24 levels, however FEMA has yet to release the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for these awards. DHSEM officials noted that “no indication” of imminent action has been provided by federal authorities.

As legal challenges over grant modifications proceed in courtrooms, including cases joined by Colorado last month, state and local agencies brace for a prolonged period of financial instability. For now, DHSEM remains focused on minimizing disruptions while urging stakeholders to stay engaged as new developments unfold.

Editor’s note: Portions of this article have been augmented with the assistance of Large Language Models for analysis, with human review, editing, and original material.