Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Representatives Jeff Hurd, Lauren Bobert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Gabe Evans, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen sent a letter in support of Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ request to President Donald Trump for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and activation of Public Assistance for La Plata County, Archuleta County, and Mineral County, Colorado, in response to 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 Oct. 11 through Oct. 14, 2025. These events destroyed homes, businesses, and private property, and caused extensive damage to wastewater systems and miles of county roads,” wrote the 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. 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,” continued the lawmakers.
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.