Mandatory evacuations were expanded Sunday for Pagosa Springs and low-lying areas along four rivers as the San Juan River rose faster than anticipated. Gov. Jared Polis has requested a major disaster declaration, and federal highway repair money has been approved.
Evacuations expanded and river forecast revised
Mandatory evacuations were expanded Sunday for the town of Pagosa Springs and all low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers. The Archuleta County Sheriff's Office said the river is rising faster than originally anticipated and is expected to crest higher than previously forecast, possibly as early as 6 p.m. Sunday. The office warned that the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs could crest five hours earlier than expected, at up to 19.71 feet. Pagosa Springs will be closed to all incoming traffic after 2 p.m. Sunday, and traffic may leave but re-entry is not permitted.
Response and resources for residents
Archuleta County is bringing in additional help from the Colorado National Guard, including ground Search and Rescue teams and equipment, more aircraft and air support, and specialized rescue teams, expected to arrive Sunday. The evacuation shelter is Open Door Church at 110 Trinity Lane in Pagosa Springs. Small animals go to the Humane Society at 465 Cloman Blvd., and large animals go to the Archuleta County Fairgrounds at 344 Hwy 84. The county set up an incident call center at (970) 508-9928, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and non-emergency evacuation help is available at (970) 731-2160. County officials said about a quarter of all roads in the county were still impassable because of flood damage.
Disaster declaration request
Gov. Jared Polis requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump that would release federal funds for infrastructure repairs after heavy rain and flooding in Southwest Colorado in late October. The request covers only Archuleta and Rio Grande counties, in response to storms, rainfall and flooding from Oct. 22 to 25. If granted, the declaration would release FEMA funding through its Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs. On Saturday, Polis requested about $27 million in federal aid to repair public infrastructure damaged in the prior week's flooding. The governor's office has documented roughly $27 million in damages so far, and Polis said the figure is almost certainly expected to rise.
Highway repair funding
The Federal Highway Administration approved the Colorado Department of Transportation's request for $6.5 million for immediate repairs to southern Colorado highways damaged in the floods. State transportation officials had requested $65 million from the federal government for flood damage to highways across southwestern Colorado, asking for $6.5 million, or 10%, immediately. The quick-release funding, approved Oct. 30, is for repairs to U.S. 160, U.S. 550 and Colorado Highway 151 before winter, and these costs are separate from the FEMA Public Assistance costs in the request. Colorado's Transportation Commission approved $5 million in emergency funds for immediate repairs along the same three highways. State transportation officials said the section of U.S. 160 between Pagosa Springs and South Fork sustained serious damage, including a failed culvert, a damaged retaining wall and part of the road undercut by the Rio Grande River.
