2013 Colorado Flood

Bohemian Foundation will donate up to $250,000 to each of three funds to match donations for flood relief that are made by individuals by Oct. 31, 2013, for a possible total of $750,000. If $750,000 is raised by our community and those funds are matched by Bohemian Foundation, we are talking about 1.5 million dollars.

During the flood, I wasn't too afraid of our apartment being waterlogged (since we're on the third floor); but I was afraid of a power outage...

Remember how last week, I was so upset about the condition of Estes Park since the flood and government shutdown? Well, this week, there's a glimmer of hope for the town we love so much.

When he visited Colorado last month, Vice President Joe Biden told us none of the Federal flood relief efforts in the state would be affected if the government shut down. Turns out that wasn't entirely true...

Now, thanks to Weld County, you can see before and after satellite images of the area that was flooded by the Colorado Flood of 2013. Weld County Commissioners have purchased satellite imagery collected during the flood event by Digital Globe Inc.

As things return to normal for many people in Northern Colorado, it is hard to forget the images from just a few weeks ago showing massive devastation. In the aftermath of the storm, we have heard some pretty amazing stories from people around our community, talking about what took place.

Colorado residents who suffered losses and damages as a result of the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides can get information about disaster assistance at two new Disaster Recovery Centers in Commerce City and Milliken.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced estimated opening dates for many highways in the state. The ultimate goal is to complete temporary or permanent repairs to restore mobility on these state highway routes by December 1, 2013.

I mentioned yesterday that CDOT plans to have all flood-damaged highways repaired, at least temporarily, by December 1st. But how long will it take to make permanent repairs to Colorado roads? Like so many things, that question hinges on money.

We are seeing conditions improve and roads are beginning to re-open, however many in Weld County still remain flooded. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has now re-opened both directions of I-25 in all areas that were previously closed.

As we reported earlier, CDOT will be spending its entire $100 million emergency fund to repair the roads and bridges damaged by the flooding here in Northern Colorado. CDOT has recently announced that those contracts have been awarded to contractors and work will begin immediately.

A Colorado Deputy ticketed an Army National Guard blackhawk helicopter that was parked on a road while helping to rescue stranded victims of the Colorado flood. Now, before you get all bent out of shape about how horrible that is, realize that is was just a good-natured little prank to lighten the mood in lieu of all the destruction.