Colorado seeks federal aid in flood relief

DENVER – Colorado is seeking $65 million in federal emergency relief and $6.5 million in quick release funds to repair flood damaged highways in the Four Corners region.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) asked the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the money through its Emergency Relief program. The request covers an estimated $65 million in damage to federal aid roadways, and CDOT asked for $6.5 million, or 10% of the total, so work can start immediately.

“Colorado is taking swift action to help Southwest Colorado communities respond to and recover from this dangerous flooding,” Gov. Jared Polis said. “I mobilized nearly 100 National Guard members for evacuations and search and rescue and the Transportation Commission approved $5 million in state emergency funds to help repair roads and restore access to communities.”

Severe storms from Oct. 22 through Oct. 25 dropped up to seven inches of rain in areas like Pagosa Springs. Flooding topped four feet on some federal aid roadways, closed multiple state and local roads and led Polis to verbally declare a disaster emergency on Oct. 22 for La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa and Rio Grande counties.

“CDOT is working around the clock to get critical roadways like US Highway 550, US Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 151 open as soon as it is safe and possible,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said.

Which highways were hit

Three highways took significant structural damage. US 160 at Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork reopened at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, but crews found a failed culvert, a damaged retaining wall and roadway undercut by the Rio Grande.

West of Pagosa Springs, CDOT has one way alternating traffic on US 160. Inspections also confirmed the US 160 Four Corners Bridge was safe to reopen at 6:20 p.m. Oct. 27, and both reopenings happened after CDOT sent its letter to FHWA.

On US 550 between Ironton and Silverton on Red Mountain Pass, crews are stabilizing a washed out embankment and shoulder while traffic moves in one lane. Floodwater also washed out CO 151 in two places near mile points 27 and 30, and CDOT plans a temporary access road for residents and emergency responders before permanent reconstruction.

“We know that the communities across Southwest Colorado need our collective support right now, and CDOT is taking quick action to restore mobility and keep them moving,” Colorado Transportation Commissioner Barbara H. McLachlan said.

The storms also closed US 285, CO 112, CO 17, CO 145 and US 550 at Bondad Bridge, and all have reopened. CDOT said the $65 million figure is preliminary, expects a more accurate estimate in eight to 10 weeks and said additional funding requests may follow as assessments continue.

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