🌊El Paso County extends its flood disaster declaration for 45 days

If you're cleaning up after the October flooding, here's where things stand. County commissioners extended the disaster declaration that County Judge Ricardo Samaniego signed last week by another 45 days while the county assesses what needs fixing. The Horizon-area water has drained, but Precinct 3 Commissioner Iliana Holguin said homes still have "several feet of mud." Monday's agenda also listed a proposal to let the county's chief administrator make emergency purchases. On its own, that item doesn't set up direct financial help or guarantee reimbursement.

The declaration lets the county remove floodwater from homes, not just roads, bypass the Purchasing Act for emergency equipment and services if necessary, and ask the state and federal governments for funding. Samaniego said up to 60 homes were affected. We suggest keeping receipts for hotel stays and repairs in case funding comes through.

• Help line: Commissioner Holguin's office, (915) 273-3595
• Cleanup help: the county says it's coordinating debris removal