Yuma could lose major funding from FEMA while still dealing with the border crisis

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma could lose major funding from FEMA while it's still dealing with the border crisis. As it stands now, some of the money would go to non-border communities.

And the more than $11 million already allocated to Yuma County by FEMA will be spent in less than eight months. 

Nathan Rivas said Yuma needs every cent.

“Yuma County should keep the money we’re a border town and immigrants keep coming and we don't have a lot of space but we really need the money and it shouldn’t go to other cities like Chicago or anywhere else it should stay here," explained Rivas.

U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) drafted a second letter with the intent to shift FEMA funding from the shelter and services program. 

This would help border communities like Yuma County.

Gallego also said the shelter and services program is flawed because it does not meet the unique needs of each border city. 

Essential needs vary from city to city but one thing that is constant is humanitarian needs for migrants are essential. 

Rivas said, “to assist them, like clothes, toilet paper like basic things they would need on a day-to-day basis just to survive.”