Today brought another day of meaningful progress throughout Archuleta County as crews continued reaching isolated residents, delivering essential supplies, and working alongside our federal and state partners to assess the extensive damage caused by the recent flooding.
While our community continues to face significant challenges, each day brings additional resources, valuable information, and important steps toward recovery.
Today marked the first full day of operations for our partners with the Colorado National Guard, who have joined our ongoing efforts to reach residents throughout the County.
Three National Guard strike teams deployed to various areas, delivering Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), drinking water, and other essential support to residents impacted by the flooding. Crews also made contact with 17 residents along the County Road 500 corridor, checking on their well-being, identifying immediate needs, and gathering information to help determine what additional assistance may be necessary. These face-to-face interactions remain an important part of our response, particularly for residents living in areas where damaged infrastructure continues to limit access.
We are incredibly grateful to our National Guard partners for their dedication and willingness to help our community during this difficult time.
Today, we welcomed representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Archuleta County as they began assessing the widespread damage caused by the flooding.
FEMA personnel joined representatives from Archuleta County, the Town of Pagosa Springs, and Colorado's emergency management officials for aerial assessments aboard helicopters, providing a broader view of the devastation throughout the area. These assessments are an important step in documenting the impacts of this disaster, identifying damaged infrastructure, and developing a more comprehensive understanding of our community's recovery needs.
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) were also on the ground today in downtown Pagosa Springs, working alongside local officials and members of our Incident Management Team.
Teams met with local business owners to gather reports of flood-related damage and better understand the impacts this disaster has had on our business community. Our local businesses are an essential part of Archuleta County, and documenting their losses and identifying their needs will be an important part of the recovery process.
Residents impacted by the flooding are reminded that assistance continues to be available through several resources.
Archuleta County Disaster Assistance CenterWyndham Activity Center538 Village Drive, Pagosa SpringsHours: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., dailyFor updated information, call 970-264-2409.Free Flood Cleanup Assistance: 970-283-7325211 Colorado: Dial 2-1-1 for additional recovery resources and assistance.Survivor portal: https://crisistrack.juvare.com/SurvivorPortal/index.html..Residents are encouraged to reach out for assistance and share these resources with neighbors who may need additional support.
Today was another reminder of what can be accomplished when communities and agencies come together with a shared purpose.
From National Guard personnel delivering essential supplies to isolated families, to federal partners beginning the important work of documenting damage, each effort brings us another step closer to recovery. We recognize that many residents and business owners are still facing tremendous uncertainty. The damage left behind by these floods will take time to address, and the challenges ahead are significant. But we are encouraged by the progress being made, the partnerships supporting our community, and the resilience of the people who call Archuleta County home.
Recovery is not measured by a single day or a single accomplishment. It is built through the collective efforts of those who continue showing up, reaching out, and helping one another. Together, we will keep moving forward.
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