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<br />R.ef:Le~t.ic>:ns <br />c>f t.h.e <br />Gc>~e=:nc>='s A~t.h.c>=ized <br />R.ep=ese:nt.a.t.i~e <br /> <br />Having worked on three different Presidential Major Disasters (1976 <br />Big Thompson, 1982 Lawn Lake, and this one) it has been interesting <br />to note the changes that have taken place in the disaster public <br />assistance program over the years. The increasing use of computers, <br />development of standardized scopes of work, unit pricing and the <br />increase in applicant liaison are all items that have led to a <br />more effective program, even in light of the growing complexity of <br />program issues that face us today. The current federal philosophy <br />of giving more program responsibility to the states, even though <br />it may encounter some rough spots during the transition period, <br />will in the long run prove to be beneficial to the program. <br /> <br />The increased emphasis on hazard mitigation and its refinement <br />should help to significantly lower future disaster costs. The <br />program is a long way from being perfect but significant <br />improvements have been made and more are to come. Future emphasis <br />should lie in shortening the recovery period, and being more cost <br />efficient in the process. There is always the tendency, especially <br />with the availability of more data, to want to micro manage even <br />when it is cost ineffective and inefficient to do so, This must be <br />avoided so that the intent of the program, to provide supplemental <br />disaster assistance to the state and local governments, and <br />selected private nonprofit entities in time of crisis, can be <br />achieved in a timely, efficient, and cost effective way. <br /> <br />The report you are about to read provides, in summary fashion, an <br />accurate overview of Colorado's Presidential Major Disaster and the <br />recovery process associated with it. In reading through it you will <br />get a feel for the complexity of the disaster recovery process and <br />the issues that arise which must be addressed. <br /> <br />For the first time, in this disaster, the state became deeply <br />involved in the recovery process providing continuous applicant <br />liaison, technical advice and assistance, and in general operating <br />the program on a day-to-day basis. The result was a highly <br />benef icial , and from most perceptions, a successful disaster <br />recovery program. <br /> <br />ii <br />