Governor Polis Requests Major Disaster Declaration from Federal Government to Unlock FEMA Support Following Western Colorado Flooding

DENVER - Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support ongoing recovery efforts in La Plata, Archuleta, and Mineral Counties following the record-breaking Western Colorado Flooding that occurred from October 10 - 14. This declaration would unlock FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to help communities recover from severe flooding, debris flows, infrastructure damage, and long-term watershed impacts.

"Heavy rains unleashed historic flooding across southwestern Colorado, overwhelming rivers, destroying roads and bridges, and damaging critical water and wastewater infrastructure. Today, I am formally requesting federal FEMA support to supplement our ongoing recovery efforts. Damage from these floods has devastated families, local economies, and essential public systems. Colorado is asking the federal government to join us in partnership so we can help La Plata, Archuleta, and Mineral Counties recover as quickly and safely as possible," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on October 12, 2025, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan and authorizing initial state support. This was later memorialized in Executive Order D 2025 021, which unlocked $6 million in state funding for flood response and recovery. The State sent field and emergency operations personnel to all three counties, and led extensive damage assessments alongside local partners. Local jurisdictions declared their own emergencies beginning October 11 and requested state assistance as hundreds of homes were threatened or inundated, levees broke, and roadways washed out across the region. Despite this damage, thankfully no fatalities or injuries were reported.

"Last month, Southwest Colorado experienced record-breaking and devastating flooding. I strongly support Governor Polis' request for federal assistance in La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County as they navigate this recovery. These communities are already facing the disastrous impacts of one of the worst fire seasons in our state's history, and without additional support they could experience unsafe drinking water, difficulty accessing their homes and businesses, and ongoing hazards from the floods. I am urging the President to declare a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration immediately," said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet.

"October's flooding reshaped entire communities in just a matter of days. It's now critical for the federal government to stand with the people of La Plata, Archuleta, and Mineral Counties as they rebuild. The President fulfilling this disaster declaration will deliver critical help at a moment when rural Colorado needs it most," said U.S. Congressman Jeff Hurd.

"La Plata County is grateful for Governor Polis' action seeking to unlock FEMA resources to help repair the public infrastructure affected by the October flooding events in Southwest Colorado. The storms caused significant damage to county roads and bridges that provide essential access to our communities and ensuring their safety going forward is of critical concern to the county. Gov. Polis' request for FEMA support for this vital and unanticipated work is much needed and appreciated," said Marsha Porter-Norton, Chair of the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners.

"Archuleta County has been involved in two declared emergencies over the course of the last 90 days. On October 11th, Archuleta County sustained unprecedented flooding due to tropical storm Priscilla and 36 hours later, tropical storm Raymond. Individually each storm accounted for the 3rd and 4th highest ever recorded events since 1911, with 1927 being the most recent prior highest flood event. As a resilient county with limited resources and funding available, we are truly grateful for the support that Governor Polis has shown us in the last few months. We strongly support the Governor's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to unlock FEMA support and federal assistance to augment Archuleta County's recovery efforts," said Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux.

FEMA has validated $13,820,036 in damages to public infrastructure, with the vast majority impacting Category C: Roads and Bridges, where more than 60 miles of road and associated culverts, drainage structures, and embankments were destroyed or severely compromised. Additional verified damages include widespread debris removal needs, significant impacts to water control facilities such as the Big Meadows Reservoir, major sewer system failures in Pagosa Springs and the San Juan River Village Metro District, and severe damage to parks, riverwalks, and recreation infrastructure that support local economies. Damage totals are expected to rise as further assessments continue.

The Western Colorado Flooding destroyed or damaged essential drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including near-total sewer system failures in the Pagosa Springs area. Floodwaters breached levees, triggered evacuations for nearly 400 homes, prompted multiple boil-water advisories, and caused at least 11 high-water rescues by local first responders. Rivers reached historic levels - including the San Juan River's third-highest crest since 1911 - and debris flows, sediment deposits, and rechanneling of waterways have created long-term risks for residents living along Vallecito Creek, the Piedra River, and the San Juan River basin.

Due to these cascading and ongoing hazards, the State is also requesting activation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which would support slope stabilization, erosion control, debris basin construction, hardening of critical infrastructure, and updated early-warning systems to protect communities from repeated flooding events.

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