Hickenlooper & Hurd Lead Colorado Congressional Delegation in Support of Major Presidential Disaster Request for Southwestern Colorado Flooding

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Representative Jeff Hurd led the Colorado Congressional Delegation, including Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, Lauren Boebert, Brittany Pettersen, Jeff Crank, and Gabe Evans, in a letter to President Trump expressing strong support for Governor Jared Polis' request for an expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration following devastating and historic flooding and debris flows in Southwestern Colorado and the San Luis Valley.

"We strongly support Governor Jared Polis' request on October 31, 2026, for an expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Southwestern Colorado and the San Luis Valley in response to the recent extensive and devastating flooding throughout the region," wrote the lawmakers. "While this request pertains to the initial flooding on October 22-25, we are writing in the midst of a second catastrophic flooding event across the same region, which adds urgency to this request. These impacts are compounded by the damaging flooding in October 2025, which have seriously strained available resources for recovery for previously affected communities."

The Governor's request seeks Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for Archuleta and Rio Grande Counties, where state and federal officials have already validated nearly $27 million in eligible damages. The flooding also impacted Alamosa, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties, where damage assessments continue and additional requests for federal assistance are expected.

In late October and early November, severe storms brought devastating flooding and debris flows to Southwestern Colorado, damaging roads, bridges, utilities, homes, and businesses, and cutting off access to entire communities. Preliminary assessments for Archuleta and Rio Grande Counties have identified approximately $10.6 million in damage to local roads, bridges, and culverts; $2.44 million in damage to public utilities; and $8.59 million in damage to parks and recreation facilities. These figures do not include additional damage assessments underway or separate federal highway repair costs.

"Without additional support, residents could face unsafe homes and drinking water, long delays in rebuilding critical roads and bridges, and the loss of local businesses," wrote the lawmakers. "Successful recovery is essential to restoring these communities' economies, which depend on agriculture, tourism, outdoor recreation, and hunting and fishing."

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. President:

We strongly support Governor Jared Polis' request on October 31, 2026, for an expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Southwestern Colorado and the San Luis Valley in response to the recent extensive and devastating flooding throughout the region. While this request pertains to the initial flooding on October 22-25, we are writing in the midst of a second catastrophic flooding event across the same region, which adds urgency to this request. These impacts are compounded by the damaging flooding in October 2025, which have seriously strained available resources for recovery for previously affected communities.

Beginning October 22, 2026, torrential rain fell on the San Juan Mountains and San Luis Valley, already saturated by weeks of rainfall. During this initial flooding event, the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs crested at its second-highest level since 1911, and the Rio Grande reached approximately 11,000 cubic feet per second, surpassing its 1949 record. Although assessments are ongoing, totals showed the initial flooding damaged approximately 700 homes across Archuleta and Rio Grande Counties, completely destroying 16 homes and 6 commercial buildings. The flooding caused extensive damage to multiple roads and bridges, overwhelmed wastewater systems, and contaminated private wells. The Colorado National Guard airlifted stranded residents to safety, and we are grateful that no fatalities have been reported.

As outlined in the Governor's expedited request, the affected counties and Tribe have suffered damages severe enough to qualify for the Public Assistance (PA) Program. The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment validated$26,989,000 in PA-eligible damages. As assessments continue, additional losses are likely to be identified with additional assistance requested. Granting the Governor's initial request for Archuleta and Rio Grande Counties will expedite urgent repairs for public infrastructure damages.

The State of Colorado is also requesting the activation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for these counties in order to implement better infrastructure solutions to protect against future monsoon seasons and flood events. As these local communities have historically been proudly self-reliant, they are eager to rebuild more resiliently.

Successful recovery is essential to restoring these communities' economies, which depend on agriculture, tourism, outdoor recreation, and hunting and fishing. In already isolated rural areas, road closures are cutting residents off from their homes, schools, work, and essential services. We appreciate the Federal Highway Administration moving quickly to approve $6.5 million in quick release funds to help with immediate repairs on US Highway 160, US 550, and Colorado Highway 151, all which provide critical routes into the communities most impacted by this disaster. Without additional support, residents could face unsafe homes and drinking water, long delays in rebuilding critical roads and bridges, and the loss of local businesses.

We thank you in advance for your expedited review and approval of the Governor's request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

Sincerely,

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