Polis requests disaster declaration for southwest Colorado flooding – Denver Gazette

Polis requests disaster declaration for southwest Colorado flooding  Denver Gazette

Gov. Jared Polis on Saturday announced he has formally requested an expedited major disaster declaration (MDD) from President Donald Trump through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support recovery from devastating flooding and debris flows in southwestern Colorado. The request seeks FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding for Archuleta and Rio Grande counties following severe storms that occurred from Oct. 22-25, according to a release. If approved, the declaration would provide federal assistance to help repair damaged infrastructure and reduce future flood risks. “Devastating flooding has damaged homes and businesses, washed away roads, and disrupted the basic services Southwestern Colorado families depend on,” Polis said.

“Colorado has deployed rescue teams, delivered supplies, quickly restored use of roads and committed state funding to help communities respond and recover. “The damage documented so far exceeds what state and local resources can address alone. I am asking President Trump to swiftly approve this request to help restore essential services, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and support these communities on their road to recovery.” Polis said the state worked quickly with FEMA and local partners to validate almost $27 million in PA-eligible damages in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties alone. The governor said the state will continue the joint damage assessments with FEMA and local governments in additional impacted counties