Sean Conway, chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., said Federal Emergency Management Agency officials told the senator Bush wanted to sign the official paperwork "to get federal aid flowing as soon as possible."
While details are still being worked out, the federal government will help homeowners and renters with the costs of uninsured losses. The declaration also makes low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration available to some businesses for repairs and to help them re-open.
Crop and livestock damage caused by the tornado and accompanying hail is still being assessed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"Much of what is needed is ongoing. It's obvious that there is damage due to hail and wind, but to what extent is not yet known," Conway said.
The designation does not include reimbursement for the costs incurred by counties and cities for cleanup, which Gov. Bill Ritter had sought, according to FEMA officials.
David Paulison said that FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.