Colorado: CDOT Requests $65 Million in Federal Emergency Relief for Southwest Colorado Flood Damage
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) on October 28 formally requested federal emergency relief funds to repair significant flood damage to highways across Southwest Colorado through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief program. The request estimates $65 million in damage to federal-aid roadways and asks FHWA to release $6.5 million, or 10 percent of the total, through its quick release process so work can start immediately. The state Transportation Commission has already approved $5 million in emergency funds for immediate work.
Severe storms from October 22 through 25 brought rainfall totals of up to seven inches around Pagosa Springs. Flooding topped four feet on some federal-aid roadways at its peak and closed multiple state and local roads. Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on October 22 for La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa and Rio Grande counties, and mobilized nearly 100 National Guard members for evacuations and search and rescue.
Three highways sustained significant structural damage. US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork reopened at 3:30 p.m. on October 27, but suffered a failed culvert, a damaged retaining wall and roadway undercut by the Rio Grande; west of Pagosa Springs, one-way alternating traffic is in place, and the Four Corners Bridge reopened at 6:20 p.m. on October 27 after inspections confirmed it was safe. On US 550 over Red Mountain Pass between Ironton and Silverton, a washed-out embankment and shoulder are being stabilized, with one-lane alternating traffic. CO 151 was washed out in two locations near mile points 27 and 30; CDOT plans a temporary access road for residents and emergency responders, followed by permanent reconstruction. Five other state highways closed during the storms, US 285, CO 112, CO 17, CO 145 and US 550 at Bondad Bridge, have all since reopened.
"Colorado is taking swift action to help Southwest Colorado communities respond to and recover from this dangerous flooding," 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. The State is requesting federal support to help us quickly make repairs before winter so Coloradans can safely reach home, work, and school." CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said crews are working around the clock on critical roadways including US 550, US 160 and CO 151. CDOT said the $65 million figure is preliminary, since high water has kept crews from fully inspecting bridges and other structures; a more accurate estimate is expected in eight to ten weeks, and additional requests may follow.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 洪水淹没道路、路牌示警（资料图）。CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / A road closed by high water (file photo). CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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