History of Weld County Disasters

FEMA-200-DR 

On June 16, 1965, severe Floods occurred in the drainage areas of the South Platte and Arkansas River Basins, which caused severe damage to homes, property, highways and bridges.

FEMA-261-DR

On May 4-9, 1969, severe floods occurred in the drainage areas of the South Platte River and it Tributaries, which caused severe damage and required an immediate expenditure of money of assistance in relief of the inhabitants of the areas who have suffered extensive damage to their homes and property.

Serious damaged was also caused to highways and bridges.

Governor Love declared that an emergency exists, and areas are declared to be Disaster Areas requiring aid, assistance and relief. Governor said the current (as of 5-14-1969) estimate of property damage amounted to $17,202,400.

Governor requested $5,143,400 to go toward affected counties.

Weld County is mentioned as an affected flood area on page 5 of the document

Damages and expenses for Weld County
Debris Clearance $10,000
Streets/roads/ bridges $786,200
Dikes/levees/drinking facilities $50,000
Public utilities $40,500
Total $886,700

Damages to Weld County sanitation facilities
Erie $3,500
Fort Lupton $15,000 and $5,000
Greeley $5,000
Evans $5,000
LaSalle $2,000
Total $35,500

FEMA-379-DR

Flooding due to dam break was from on/about April 12, 1973, to April 13, 1973.

FEMA-385-DR

Greeley Tribune: Monday, May 7, 1973 - Flood Waters again ravaging Weld
More news article headings:
At least $50 million in damages in wake of South Platte Flood,
Flood Takes out Denver bridge, Assisting in evacuation,
Flood damages est. at $20 million,
Health Department sends letters to weld owners in flooded areas,
County Commissioners Est. $20 million in Flood Damage,
Flood victims begin digging out,
Disaster designation sought for Weld County

EXECUTIVE ORDER

State Department of Agriculture has reported certain area of the state have a severe infestations of grasshoppers.   

The Weld County Board of Commissioners notified acting Governor John Vanderhoof of the severe grasshopper infestation within the county, and asked him to proclaim the area known as the Eastern Weld Pest Control District as a major disaster area to qualify for assistance in combating the grasshopper plague.

Department of Agriculture ordered to assist and aid Weld County with the grasshopper infestation.

Weld County Commissioner Jeffers submitted letter to Vanderhoof requesting $45,000 for the control of grasshoppers on approximately 150,000 acres of rangeland in Weld County.

Weld County Commissioner Billings submitted a letter to the Commissioner of Agriculture. Letter stated that the area of infestations averaged approximately 15 grasshoppers per square yard, and 8 grasshoppers per square yard by USDA standards is considered to be of economic importance.  Landowners within the district have agreed to pay 100% of the cost of crop acreage and 1/3 cost per acre for range acreage as a contribution to pay the cost of exterminating the grasshoppers.

• This executive order is for Weld County
• Document contains Vanderhoof’s order, letter from Weld County Commissioner Jeffers and letter from Commissioner Billings

FEMA-517-DR

On July 31, 1976, severe rains resulted in extensive flooding in Larimer, Boulder and Weld Counties. At least 76 known fatalities and 350 injuries have been reported and extensive damage has resulted to private and public property, including damage to the Estes Park sewer plant and Loveland water filtration plant.

Governor declared that an emergency exists and declared a disaster area requiring aid, assistance and relief.
Weld county is mentioned in this executive order

FEMA-1186-DR

Due to additional flooding impact in Morgan and Logan counties and new information about the extent of the damage caused by flooding in Fort Collins and Larimer County, Governor Romer issued an additional $5,000,000 of unspent general fund appropriations for fiscal year 1996-1997 shall be transferred into the state Disaster Emergency Fund from state departments. Weld County not mentioned in this Executive Order.

FEMA-1276-DR

Executive Order 003-99
May 17, 1999

Flooding

Amendment to Executive Order D 003 99 declaring a state of disaster emergency

On May 4, 1999, Governor Owens declared a disaster emergency in Colorado due to widespread flooding. On May 17, 1999, President Bill Clinton declared a major disaster for certain Colorado counties under the Robert T. Stafford Act, and other counties are under active consideration for inclusion in that presidential declaration.

• Weld County was not specifically mentioned in the executive order

May 4, 1999
Flooding

On April 29, 1999, a series of weather patterns began over Colorado resembling monsoonal conditions. The conditions created by this disaster caused substantial damage to public and private facilities which will require extensive efforts on behalf of state and local governments, the private and non-profit sectors and the public.

Executive Order declares a state of disaster emergency and activation of the Colorado National Guard and the State of Colorado Emergency Operations Plan.

• Weld County is not mentioned in this Executive Order

FEMA-1374-DR

On April 11, 2001 – April 15, 2001, and April 20, 2001-April 22, 2001, the State of Colorado suffered severe winter storms covering most of the eastern plains and Front Range counties. This late spring snow was exceptionally heavy and thick; there were significant drifts and extremely strong winds. The storms causes significant damage to power and other utility lines, poles and structures, as well as to certain governmental structures. The resulting power outages and necessity to repair the damaged structures overwhelmed the resources of the affected rural electric association and certain county, municipal and special district government. The economic impact of the storms has been estimated in excess of $4.9 million.

Executive order orders the following:

• The expenditure of funds from the State Disaster Emergency Fund and the transfer of unexpected surplus from all state departments and agencies as required to meet emergency needs.
• Authorization of all state departments and agencies to take whatever actions are required and requested by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management to meet the emergency needs
• Director of the Colorado Office of Emergency Management is hereby authorized and directed to coordinate application to the federal government for funds for public assistance disaster relief.
• Weld County is not specifically mentioned in the executive order.

D 019 02 FEMA-1421-DR

Governor Bill Owens issued the executive order transferring certain funds into the Disaster Emergency Fund. 

Since June 10, 2002 (when the Governor ordered $10 million from the TABOR emergency reserve into the disaster emergency fund), over 100,000 additional acres have burned throughout the state and the “Hayman Fire” has become the most destructive wildfire in our state’s history. In order to combat the fire, more funds need to be transferred into the Disaster Emergency Fund.

Governor orders the transfer of an additional $5 million from the TABOR emergency reserve into the disaster emergency fund.
Weld County is not mentioned in this executive order.

Executive Order D 019 02
April 23, 2002
Due to drought conditions, Colorado’s 2002 fire season is approximately 6-7 weeks ahead of schedule. The western and southeastern parts of Colorado are facing severe drought conditions and the remainder of the state is facing moderate drought conditions.

283 wildfires have already burned 7664 acres in the State of Colorado during the very early part of the 2002 fire season. These figures indicate that the potential for an active 2002 fires season is high, and enhanced suppression and mitigation activities are immediately necessary to respond to that risk.

Executive Order makes $450,000 in disaster emergency management funds immediately available for wildfire suppression and mitigation activities.
Weld County is not specifically mentioned in this executive order.

Executive Order D 014 02
June 10, 2002
Governor Bill Owens issued the executive order declaring a state of disaster emergency and ordering to state active duty certain elements of the Colorado National Guard.

Colorado is experiencing that most dangerous wildfire season in the history of our state. Extraordinary measures are necessary to protect the public health, ensure public safety and render relief for those most severely impacted. The Governor declared a statewide disaster emergency due to wildfires and order to state active duty certain elements of the Colorado National Guard.

Since April 23, 2002, over 250,000 acres have burned throughout the state.

Governor ordered the transfer of $10 million from the TABOR emergency reserve into the disaster emergency fund.
Weld County is not specifically mentioned in this executive order.

Executive Order D 021 02
July 10, 2002

Governor Owens issued an executive order declaring a state of disaster emergency continues to exist due to the imminent threat of wildfires and ordered the extension of the statewide open burning ban.

Since June 10, 2002, an additional 164,243 acres have burned throughout the state.
Weld County is not mentioned in this executive order.

Executive Order D 022 02
August 10, 2002

Governor Bill Owens issued the executive order declaring that a state of disaster emergency continues to exist due to the imminent threat of wildfires and ordered the extension of the statewide open burning ban.

Since July 10, 2002, wildfires have continues to be a serious risk to human life and property within the State of Colorado. The Big Elk Fire (near Estes Park) burned 4,413 acres and tragically caused three deaths. The Long Mesa Fire (located in Mesa Verde National Park) burned 2,601 acres and destroyed seven structures. Most recently, the Panorama Fire (near Carbondale) burned 1,700 acres and destroyed four homes. Meanwhile, drought conditions continue throughout most of the state.
Weld County is not mentioned in this executive order.

FEMA-EM-3185

Executive Order D 006 03 
March 26, 2003

Between March 17, 2003 and March 20, 2003, a powerful blizzard covered most of Colorado. This was one of the largest snowstorms in Colorado’s history. The Denver metro area received over 2.5 feet of snow while many suburbs received much more. Numerous locations throughout the state received over 6 feet of snow. 

As a result of the snow, road and highways became increasingly dangerous for motorists and many travelers were unable to reach their destinations and local emergency personnel were overwhelmed by the task of rescuing stranded motorists.  Several emergency vehicles were not capable to navigating the dangerous roads to reach the vehicles, which became a dangerous situation for the trapped motorists and those needing medical attention.

Ordered certain elements of the Colorado National Guard to active duty to assist with emergency response as a result of the snowstorm. The Colorado Office of Emergency Management estimates 29 soldiers were called to active duty and 5 snow utility vehicles and 13 Humvees were utilized in the assignment.

Governor Owens ordered up to $50,000 from the State Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for Colorado National Guard personnel and equipment used to assist in the disaster emergency response effort.
Weld County was not specifically mentioned in the executive order

FEMA-3224-EM

Executive Order 013 05 
November 25, 2005

Governor Bill Owens declared that a state of disaster emergency caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita continues to exist.

Executive Order declares that directives states in previous orders (008 05, 009 05, 010 05 and 011 05) will continue.
Weld County was not mentioned in this Executive Order

Executive Order D 009 05
September 3, 2005

Governor Owens issued Executive Order declaring a state of disaster emergency and suspending certain provisions of state regulatory statues to respond to the disaster emergency caused by Hurricane Katrina.

The State of Colorado has been requested to render mutual aid to assist in the implementation of federal and state disaster emergency functions in accordance with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

Governor Owens declared a disaster emergency in the State of Colorado to adequately respond to the emergency situation caused by Hurricane Katrina and is suspending specific Colorado regulatory statues to expedite the transportation of emergency resources and supplies to the affected states.
Weld County is not specifically mentioned in this Executive Order.

Executive Order D 010 05
September 5, 2005

The State of Colorado shall continue to provide assistance to the ongoing emergency relief efforts in response to Hurricane Katrina. Governor Owens is directing certain state agencies to take action to prepare temporary housing for evacuees displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Weld County is not specifically mentioned in this Executive Order.

Executive Order D 011 05
September 29, 2005

Hurricane Rita caused a disaster emergency within the states of Texas and Louisiana. The series of hurricanes in the Gulf Coast Region continues to cause a disaster emergency in several states. A continues need for relief efforts within the State of Colorado is necessary. Accordingly, all directives set forth in executive orders D 008 05, D 009 05 and D 010 05 shall apply to Hurricane Rita.
Weld County is not specifically mentioned in this Executive Order.  

Executive Order D 012 05
October 28, 2005

Governor Owens declared that a state of disaster emergency caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita continues to exist.

Executive Order declares that directives states in previous orders (008 05, 009 05, 010 05 and 011 05) will continue.
Weld County was not mentioned in this Executive Order.

Weld County Resolution

News Articles Headings:
Farmers Sweating over lack of water

Weld County Resolution

Resolution-Board of County Commissioners:
December 18, 2006, a blizzard hit all of  Weld County, such that businesses, government operations, schools and other institutions were closed for a  least two days due to impassable roads and whiteout conditions. Weld County suffered losses from increased road maintenance costs, including the use of the snow command post, and lost employee productivity due to closed operations. Weld County's losses due to the storm are estimated to be at least $400,000.00.

FEMA-1762-DR

Executive Order D 011 08 
May 23, 2008

Governor Bill Ritter issued the executive order declaring a state of disaster emergency due to severe tornadoes in northern Colorado.

Shortly after noon on Thursday, May 22, 2008 more than a half dozen tornadoes touched down across northern Colorado, causing widespread damage. The largest and most devastating of those tornadoes struck the Town of Windsor and surrounding areas, killing one person and causing significant property damage. Although initial assessments have not yet been completed, it appears that scores of homes were damage by the tornadoes, wind and hail and numerous homes were destroyed or severely damaged such that they are uninhabitable. In addition, there were significant damage to privies business, livestock and agricultural equipment, and publicly owned facilities and infrastructure.

Governor Ritter ordered $500,000 from the Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for the response and recovery effort related to this disaster.
Weld County not specifically mentioned in this Executive Order. 

Executive Order D 013 08
June 20, 2008

Acting Governor Barbara O’Brien issued an executive order amending executive order D 011 08, declaring a state of disaster emergency due to severe tornadoes in northern Colorado.

Executive Order authorizes the Department of Human Services, at its discretion, to expend temporary assistance to needy families (TANF) funds in excess of the funds allocated to Weld and Larimer Counties in order to assist those impacted by the disaster, and authorizes the use of Department of Human Services appropriated funds to help provide emergency housing to those displaced by the disaster. Governor also authorized the Department of Human Services, at its discretion and where necessary, to waive any identification requirement that may impede the rapid delivery of assistance under the TANF program to tornado victims in northern Colorado. 
Weld County is mentioned in this executive order

Weld County Resolution

Press Release from the Weld County Commissioners:
Commissioners declare disaster emergency, urge Governor to turn on water pumps to help save crops. 

FEMA-3365-EM

Executive Order D 02013-027
September 19, 2013

John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive order declaring a state of disaster emergency due to flooding in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, El Paso, Fremont, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Pueblo, Washington and Weld Counties.

On September 13, 2013, Hickenlooper issued an Executive Order declaring a disaster emergency in 14 counties on account of flooding. Since that time, the affected areas received extensive additional rainfall. As of September, 18, 2013, the National Weather Service reported that 7-day rain totals have reached as high as 18.1 inches in Boulder County, 12.4 inches in Larimer County, 15.6 inches in Adams County and 11.7 inches in El Paso County. Initial estimates of the casualties and property damage are as follows: 6 people dead, 17,648 damaged structures, which included 4,047 structures that have been destroyed, 30 bridges destroyed and 20 others have been seriously damaged. As of 1100 on September 18, 2013, a total of 754 troops, 19 helicopters, 20 ground search-and-rescue teams, and 67 traffic-control points were operational.

• Executive order added Clear Creek County and Sedgwick County to affected counties
• Governor found that the initial $6,000,000 ordered to disaster relief is insufficient to pay for the flood response and recovery.
• Ordered $26,000,000 to be transferred into the Disaster Emergency Fund from the General Fund
• Weld County is not mentioned except in the 1st paragraph of the Executive Order.

FEMA-4145-DR

John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive order declaring a state of disaster emergency due to flooding in Adams,  Arapahoe, Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, El Paso, Fremont, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Pueblo, Washington and Weld Counties.

Executive order makes resources available to search for flood victims, assist flood survivors, remove the flood debris, provide flood emergency protective measures, address the disaster emergency and assist with flood recovery.

Beginning on September 11, 2013, heavy rainfall fell west of Interstate 25 south of Colorado Springs to the Wyoming border. Rainfall continues with the National Weather Service predicting another 2-4 inches by 0700 hours on September 13, 2013.

This Executive Order shall expire thirty days from September 12, 2013, unless extended further by Executive Order, except the funds described shall remain available for the described purposes for 18 months from the date of this Executive Order.
Weld County is not mentioned except in the 1st paragraph of the Executive Order.

Current and on-going

Executive Order D 2020 003 
March 11, 2020

Governor Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order declaring at state of disaster emergency due to the presence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado, and authorizing response activities associated with the disaster emergency to enable State agencies to coordinate response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.