Bipartisan pair eyes 20% infrastructure boost after flood survey
Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Jeff Hurd visited Pagosa Springs and Durango to assess damage, pledging to fight for federal funds despite recent funding inconsistencies.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
Rep. Jeff Hurd proposed increasing the capacity of flood control structures by 20% to reduce the scale of future disasters in Southwest Colorado.
The suggestion came after Hurd and Sen. Michael Bennet flew from Alamosa to Pagosa Springs and Durango on Friday, November 6. The two members of Congress traveled together to inspect the aftermath of recent flooding. Their visit marked a bipartisan effort to assess specific community needs ahead of federal budget negotiations.
In Pagosa Springs, local leaders pointed to washed away gravel roads and sewage systems operating at maximum capacity. Officials also stressed the need to restore the town's tourism industry. In Durango, the focus remained on road infrastructure. Many working class residents reported that flood waters and damaged roads prevented them from reaching their homes.
Hurd, a Republican from Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, emphasized the human cost of the destruction. He described the damage not as abstract data but as the livelihoods of families and small businesses. "This is not just numbers on a spreadsheet, these are families' lives, these are small businesses," Hurd said. Bennet, a Democrat, agreed that reopening roads was a primary objective. He noted that this specific need was the most common request during their meetings.
Both officials stated their goal is to secure federal funding quickly upon returning to Washington. Hurd cited the changing political makeup of Congress as an opportunity to work with the White House. He argued that a strong case can be made to President Donald Trump and the Office of Management and Budget. Bennet acknowledged that the White House has shown inconsistency in disaster funding. However, he pointed to recent approvals for the Aspen Acres Fire as evidence that success is possible.
The pair is also working to expand the scope of federal aid. Governor Jared Polis originally requested a Major Disaster Declaration for Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. The congressmen plan to amend this request to include Conejos County. They aim to consolidate these areas into a single declaration or secure two separate funding requests to ensure the entire region receives support.
Bennet urged visitors to continue traveling to the area to support local economic development. He stated that the communities intend to remain open for business. "They are going to be open for business," Bennet said. "They're going to want to have tourism there."
