Governor Polis Seeks Federal Disaster Declaration for Southwestern Colorado Flood Recovery
Governor Jared Polis has formally requested an expedited major disaster declaration from President Trump for southwestern Colorado to aid recovery efforts from severe flooding and debris flows that occurred from October 22-25. The request specifically targets Archuleta and Rio Grande…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, October 31, 2026 —
Governor Jared Polis has officially requested that President Donald J. Trump expedite a major disaster declaration for southwestern Colorado. The request aims to secure federal assistance for recovery efforts following severe flooding and debris flows that impacted the region between October 22 and October 25.
The formal plea targets Archuleta and Rio Grande counties specifically. Governor Polis is seeking the allocation of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation funds. These funds are intended to support the repair of damaged infrastructure and to implement measures that will mitigate future risks from similar events.
Initial assessments indicate that the damage resulting from the October flooding and debris flows has already reached an estimated total of over $26.9 million. The governor’s office has not provided the specific date the request was formally submitted to the President. Details regarding the precise nature of the damaged infrastructure or the specific mitigation strategies proposed were not immediately available. The contractor’s name involved in the initial damage assessment was not provided.
The declaration, if granted, would allow for the release of federal resources to supplement state and local efforts in rebuilding and enhancing the resilience of affected communities. The specific outcome of the request and any subsequent federal action have not yet been detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by KOAA on gazette.com, see more information here.
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