After facing the devastating floods that began on September 11, the result of an eight-day period in which The National Weather Service reported between 7 and 18 inches of rain, Boulder County has maintained its resolve and continues to rebuild.

After the natural disaster, which destroyed approximately 2,000 homes, cut off entire towns, and washed away countless roads, hundreds of people were reported to be missing or unaccounted for. That number diminished quickly, however, as people checked in to authorities and on Tuesday, it was reported that the final six missing people were found to be safe. Of the final six, one was found after investigators realized that they had been using an incorrect spelling of his surname, and the other five checked in themselves after their names were publicly announced. “We are really happy that we were able to clear all the missing folks,” said Larimer County sheriff’s spokesman John Schulz, adding his remorse for the lives lost in the disaster, according to the Daily Camera.

Yesterday, The Colorado Department of transportation reported that it plans to reopen Boulder Canyon in mid to late October, and outlined their schedules to reopen many other roadways including Colorado 119. Governor John Hickenlooper also signed an executive order to add an additional $65.5 million in funding for flood recovery for a total of $91.5 million in recovery funds.

Over 15,600 people have applied for relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and its been reported that $22.1 million in individual assistance has been approved. Vice President Joe Biden visited some of the damaged areas on Monday and, according to the Daily Camera, promised that the federal government would continue to offer aid even if it meant a federal shutdown.

On a local level, the people of Boulder are working diligently to repair the damages from the flood. Curbside pickup of debris began on Thursday with the help of contractor Swingle Inc. and they have promised to continue picking up and clearing debris throughout Boulder for the next several weeks. For more information on the schedules and routes for the curbside cleanup visit boulderfloodinfo.net.

Superior has announced that this Saturday it will dedicate its annual community volunteer project, the National Day of Service, to fixing damage caused by the flood. The project will start at 9 a.m at Community Park and is going to focus mainly on repairing damaged trails. To register or for more information, visit volunteersuperior.com.

It seems that everyone around here is doing their part to help and to contribute to the full recovery of Boulder. The strength and tenacity demonstrated by the people of Boulder continues to prove that even in the face of such a devastating disaster, Boulder County remains to be one of the best places in the world.

 

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