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Governor Polis Provides Update on Southwestern Colorado Flooding, State Response, and Voting Access on Election Day

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DENVER — Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado's ongoing response to severe flooding across southwestern Colorado following another round of heavy rainfall Sunday night. The flooding has damaged roads, bridges, utilities, and communications infrastructure, prompting evacuations. State agencies are working around the clock with local authorities to conduct search-and-rescue operations, assess damage, restore transportation and communications infrastructure, and coordinate recovery resources.

"Coloradans living in the southwest part of our state have endured devastating flooding and my heart goes out to everyone whose home, business, or community has been impacted. I want to thank our local authorities, first responders, National Guard members, and emergency crews who have been working non-stop since this disaster began to keep people safe. Colorado is working around the clock alongside our local partners to assess last night's impacts, restore essential services, and repair damaged infrastructure. I also thank Southwestern County Clerks who are working hard to ensure Coloradans impacted by this flooding are able to successfully vote in today's election," said Governor Polis.

Initial Damage Assessments

State, local, and utility officials will continue to assess damage as floodwaters recede after the second round of flooding. The San Juan River in Pagosa Springs crested at 16.81 feet, below the highest forecast levels, but significant flooding has occurred across multiple watersheds. The following impacts have been identified with additional damage expected to be documents as crews gain access to affected areas:
  • US Highway 160: The Piedra River Bridge at mile marker (MM) 121, west of Pagosa Springs, sustained significant damage after its piers collapsed. The bridge will need to be rebuilt, and CDOT is working to install a temporary bridge. Additional damage and travel restrictions have been reported along US 160 at Wolf Creek Pass.
  • Colorado Highway 151: Floodwaters washed out portions of the highway near MM 27 and MM 30, cutting off access. CDOT is assessing repairs and temporary access options.
  • Colorado Highway 17: A section of the highway near MM 3, along the route connecting Antonito to Chama, New Mexico, is washed out.
  • Local bridges and roads: A bridge located on County Road 202 has been destroyed, affecting access to eight parcels. Additional road damage and closures have been reported across Archuleta, La Plata, Rio Grande, and Conejos counties.
  • Communications: Cellular service has been restored in Archuleta County. Flood damage temporarily disrupted cellular service in Archuleta County and surrounding areas, affecting residents' ability to communicate and access emergency services.
  • Utilities: Flooding has damaged natural gas infrastructure, including a pipeline near the Piedra River. Emergency repairs and temporary measures to provide service in affected areas have been provided, with additional assessments ongoing.

State Response and Recovery Efforts

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The State is working closely with county emergency managers, local first responders, Tribal partners, and federal agencies to support impacted communities. Ongoing state actions include:
  • Search and rescue: The Colorado National Guard has rescued more than 50 people, over 20 dogs, and several cats from flood-impacted areas. FEMA's 17-member Colorado Task Force 1 swift-water rescue team has been activated to support operations in the San Luis Valley. State aviation resources and local search-and-rescue teams are assisting with rescues, welfare checks, and aerial damage assessments.
  • Transportation and infrastructure: CDOT crews are inspecting damaged bridges and highways, coordinating temporary access and repairs, and working with federal partners to secure additional emergency transportation funding. The Federal Highway Administration has approved $6.5 million in emergency funding, alongside $5 million from the Colorado Transportation Commission, providing $11.5 million for immediate repairs.
  • Communications restoration: State emergency management officials are coordinating with telecommunications providers to restore disrupted cellular and internet service and deploy satellite communications equipment where needed. In Archuleta County, landline 911 calls are being routed to Durango Dispatch, and emergency responders remain available to respond to calls. Communications resources are en route to Archuleta County from T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, including 50 Startlink units.
  • Dam safety: Colorado Division of Water Resources engineers are conducting daily dam inspections in flood-impacted areas, prioritizing infrastructure that could affect public safety. While dams have generally performed well, some spillways have sustained damage and are being closely monitored.
  • Emergency services and shelter:  Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (COVOAD) and state agencies are supporting local shelters, medical facilities, emergency supplies, and assistance for residents displaced or isolated by flooding.
  • Establishment of Disaster Assistance Centers (DACs): DOLA Regional Managers are assisting local governments in standing up disaster assistance centers (DACs) in several impacted counties that will act as one-stop locations for those impacted to access critical information and resources.
  • Recovery coordination: The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level one operations and has processed more than 230 resource orders, coordinating the delivery of bottled water, sandbags, water well-testing kits, and other emergency supplies.
  • Voting access: The Colorado Secretary of State's Office is working with county clerks to preserve voting access for Coloradans impacted by flooding. Further information can be found below:
    • In Archuleta County, eligible voters impacted by floods who have not yet cast their ballot can visit the Archuleta County Courthouse to vote. For voters looking for the downtown ballot drop box, it has been relocated to 10 Solomon Drive in Pagosa Springs.
    • A joint Archuleta/La Plata County voter center has been established at the Pine River Library in Bayfield and is available for Archuleta County voters to cast replacement ballots containing all local contests. Eligible voters displaced by flooding may visit any voter center statewide for a replacement ballot, although voters using a center outside their home county generally receive a ballot containing only statewide races.
    • Voters with an existing mail ballot may return it to any Colorado drop box or voter center by 7 p.m. tonight.
    • Voters should check Go Vote Colorado for the latest information before traveling.
    • Coloradans who are unable to vote in person or return their mail ballot due to flooding can request an emergency ballot here.

On Saturday, Governor Polis requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration (MDD) from President Trump, documenting nearly $27 million in preliminary Public Infrastructure damaged in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. This estimate does not include private property damage or additional impacts from Sunday's flooding. State, federal, and local officials are continuing assessments to document additional damage and determine whether more counties can be included in the federal request.

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Resources for affected Coloradans
  • Sign up for emergency alerts: Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your area.
  • Assistance, shelter and temporary lodging information: Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211 Colorado's disaster response page.
  • Road conditions and closures: Visit COtrip.org or use the COtrip Planner app.
  • Learn how to be flood ready and stay safe during a flood: Never walk or drive through floodwaters, debris, or around barricades. Return to evacuated areas only when local officials say it is safe. Find tips for staying safe during floods and what to do when you are under a flood warning at Ready.gov/floods.
  • Volunteer cleanup assistance: Call Crisis Cleanup at 970-283-7325 to request free volunteer help or visit Colorado 211 website for a list of resources at https://www.211colorado.org/disaster-response/.
  • Local updates, damage-reporting links and additional resources: Visit DHSEM's regularly updated State Emergency Operation Center Daily Status Report page.
  • Immediate emergencies: Call 911.

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