WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, and Representatives Jeff Hurd, Lauren Bobert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Gabe Evans, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen sent a letter to President Trump in support of Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and the activation of Public Assistance to help Colorado communities recover from the historic and devastating flooding that began in mid-October.
“Communities throughout La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered significant damage and losses as a result of heavy rainfall and severe, record-breaking flooding, including debris and mud flows that occurred from October 11 through October 14, 2025. These events destroyed homes, businesses, and private property, and caused extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads,” wrote the Colorado lawmakers. “Successful recovery is essential to restoring the County’s economy, which has already faced a devastating fire season in addition to the catastrophic effects of flooding on infrastructure and private property.”
The lawmakers stressed that the historic flooding destroyed public and private property, in addition to causing extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads. They underscored that Southwest Colorado needs federal assistance to recover.
A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks additional loans, insurance relief, and other critical assistance. This is the second Presidential Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Polis that the full Congressional Colorado Delegation has supported. President Trump has not yet responded to Governor Polis’s Major Disaster Declaration request for the Lee and Elk fires in Colorado during August.
Full text of the letter available HERE and below:
Dear Mr. President:
We strongly support Governor Jared Polis’s request on November 12, 2025, for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County, Colorado, in response to the historic and devastating flooding that began on October 11, 2025. As part of this request, Governor Polis has also requested the activation of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for the affected counties.
Communities throughout La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered significant damage and losses as a result of heavy rainfall and severe, record-breaking flooding, including debris and mud flows that occurred from October 11 through October 14, 2025. These events destroyed homes, businesses, and private property, and caused extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads.
Governor Polis has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the period of October 11 through October 14, 2025. As outlined in Governor Polis’ request, La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County have suffered damages severe enough to qualify for the Public Assistance Program. Successful recovery is essential to restoring the County’s economy, which has already faced a devastating fire season in addition to the catastrophic effects of flooding on infrastructure and private property. Without additional support, residents could face drinking water disruptions, unsafe homes and businesses, and challenges accessing their property. In addition, residents are facing ongoing hazards from the flooding, including dangerous debris, and threats to water quality and drinking water infrastructure.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency validated $13,820,036 in eligible damages in La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County. As the damage assessments continue, additional losses are likely to be identified.
As you are aware, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks federal assistance programs to fund debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration and mitigation of disaster-damaged facilities. These communities urgently need this support to recover and rebuild.
We thank you in advance for your expedited review and approval of the Governor’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
Sincerely,
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