Polis requests $27 million in federal aid from Trump administration for southern Colorado floods

Celia Frazier, The Denver Post on Oct 31, 2026

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DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis on Saturday requested nearly $27 million in federal aid from the Trump administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the state begins to recover from devastating flooding in southern Colorado that damaged hundreds of homes and dozens of roads, including three highways.

The aid request comes in the form of an expedited major disaster declaration, the Governor’s Office said in a Saturday news release. Polis requested funding in two forms — public assistance funding, which could be used to repair roads, bridges, public utilities, parks and other public infrastructure, and hazard mitigation grant funding, which would support efforts to reduce future flood damage.

State officials, working with FEMA, have already validated $26.98 million in damages in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties that would be eligible for federal public assistance funds.

That figure includes about $10.6 million in damage to local roads, bridges and culverts; $2.44 million in damage to public utilities; and $8.59 million in damage to parks and recreation facilities, the Governor’s Office said. The state also requested funding for debris removal and $4.16 million for emergency protective measures.

“Devastating flooding has damaged homes and businesses, washed away roads, and disrupted the basic services Southwestern Colorado families depend on. Colorado has deployed rescue teams, delivered supplies, quickly restored use of roads, and committed state funding to help communities respond and recover,” Polis said in a statement.

“The damage documented so far exceeds what state and local resources can address alone,” Polis added. “I am asking President Trump to swiftly approve this request to help restore essential services, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and support these communities on their road to recovery.”

The state is still working to assess the total damage caused by the floods, and additional costs and counties could be added to the request once damage assessments are complete. As of Thursday, about 100 homes in Archuleta County were still inaccessible.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, whose lands were also affected by the severe flooding, will pursue FEMA assistance separate from the state’s request, the Governor’s Office said.

Polis declared a disaster emergency on Oct. 22 for flooding in Alamosa, Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Ouray, Rio Grande, San Juan, and San Miguel counties, later adding Conejos County.

The state has already received $6.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration to begin emergency repairs to three highways damaged in the floods.

The state deployed nearly 100 National Guard members and rescued 48 people and 31 animals.