Barbara Lawlor

The epic flood of 2013 was a devastating weather event that destroyed homes, roads, bridges and lives in Boulder and Larimer Counties. Fortunately, Nederland and Gilpin County were spared the raging flood waters that swept away buildings and roads leaving Jamestown and Lyons islands as their exits and entrances were demolished.

Reconstruction and recovery programs are in place for the towns that were hit the hardest and now FEMA has set up a Disaster Recovery Center at the Nederland Community Center to help those in other areas impacted by the flood.

Federal, state and volunteer agencies have set up offices at long tables in the upstairs hallway of the center. These agencies include the US Small Business Administration, the Salvation Army and other emergency assistance groups.

Representatives from FEMA will be available from 9am-7pm weekdays and Saturdays to assist residents, both homeowners and renters, with flood related claims. Sunday hours TBD. Please call the Community Center at 303.258.9721 with questions.

The recovery center will remain open as long as it is needed in the mountain community will leave when the state decides it is time.

Outside the entrance to the center a mobile concession stand offers snacks, fresh fruit, drinks and a boxed lunch to those who come for answers to their questions or advice on resources. David Smith of the Salvation Army says he volunteers to make people whose lives are upset to find a friendly face and something to eat while they wait for help.

Nederland was chosen as a location in response to the fact that many roads were and are closed to traffic and Ned is a hub in the Coal Creek Canyon, Fourmile communities.

The Small Business Association was on hand to give advice to people who lost employment due to the flood or whose rental property, cars and personal belongings were destroyed. In the one month that the SBA has been dealing with flood victims, it has approved $30 million in disaster loans.

Local resident Kathy Spratford met with SBA representative Mildred Darton to discuss damage to her foundation due to saturated ground. "We have discovered funky mold in the basement and need help with the foundation. I am amazed that we have resources like this. It is an unbelievable gift," says Spratford.

The Disaster Recovery Center in Nederland is a convenient, free and friendly resource for anyone who has been impacted by the flood. To find out more about how you can be helped visit the center while it is still in town.