Gardner Provides Update on Flooding
Press Release
Rep. Cory Gardner (CO-4) spent his day in briefings, meetings, and touring the extensive damage - from the ground and air - that flooding has caused in Colorado. He has met with Governor Hickenlooper, members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation, local and state officials, and first responders.
"The damage from the floods that I witnessed today is truly devastating," Gardner said. "The extensive and massive losses that have taken place will require rebuilding and rehabilitation of communities that will need time and substantial resources, and assistance from the federal government. I can assure all Coloradans that as we continue to evaluate what we have lost, I will be working as hard as I can to bring the resources that we need to rebuild. The search and rescue efforts that have taken place are being organized by extremely selfless and dedicated individuals, and I give them my sincere gratitude for their hard work."
"This will be trying for us all. But we will get through. This is Colorado."
Counties that were not on the original disaster declaration are under consideration for addition to the list. At this time, preparations are under way for a major disaster declaration by the state. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is moving as quickly as it can in terms of planning and resources (delivery supplies, setting-up emergency facilities and shelters) and continues to work to provide the assistance that is needed. In some areas, tap water is no longer safe to drink and people are encouraged to check with local emergency officials to determine the safety of the water. As of late this afternoon, 1,259 people were in emergency shelters. A flyover conducted yesterday by officials, that only covered 40% of affected areas, showed hundreds of homes have been flooded. 53 generators are expected to arrive in areas that are currently experiencing electricity problems, or no longer have access to electricity. Ft. Carson has been extremely helpful, and continues to offer its assistance.
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