Over 1,900 homes evacuated in Durango as Colorado flood recovery begins

DURANGO, Colo. – Southwest Colorado leaders say more than 1,900 homes were evacuated and rebuilding after recent flooding could take months and millions of dollars.

Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Jeff Hurd met with local leaders in Durango to discuss recovery as floodwaters recede across the region. The focus has shifted from saving lives to rebuilding communities from Pagosa Springs to Durango.

Local leaders are looking at ways to rebuild infrastructure that can better withstand future natural disasters. In La Plata County alone, more than 1,900 homes were evacuated, affecting around 4,500 people.

“We need to be thoughtful in terms of how we’re preparing for the next one. But capacity improvements are absolutely something that should be on the table and is being discussed,” Hurd said.

Getting roads and bridges open remains a major priority. Leaders said the bridge over the Piedra River along Highway 160 was destroyed, creating a 3-hour detour between the two cities.

Officials said a temporary replacement could cost upward of $10 million. They also said a permanent fix may not be finished until after the first of the year.

“One of the things we heard everywhere we went was the importance of getting these roads open again, and that’s another piece of this that we’ve got to get done,” Bennet said.

Aid still pending?

Bennet and Hurd said they will push for federal disaster assistance to help local governments, families and small businesses recover. A major disaster declaration is already pending for the first flooding event, and leaders said this latest damage could require another one.

“To the extent that there’s anything available, including resources for individuals, or resources from the Small Business Administration for small businesses, we are going to turn over every single rock to try to find that,” Bennet said.

Local leaders are still assessing damage, clearing debris and trying to find temporary housing for families who may not be able to return home.

With a harsh winter expected to arrive soon, leaders now face pressure to finish that work as quickly as possible.

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