Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs officials will ask town voters to approve a $3 million loan for flood repairs in April while jointly pursuing an $800,000 federal grant for North Pagosa Boulevard reconstruction. The loan addresses remaining October 2025 flood damage costs through a zero-interest Colorado Water Conservation Board financing package. The Highway Safety Improvement Program grant requires an $80,000 local match split between jurisdictions for the corridor serving 7,500 vehicles daily. Housing Coordinator Jeff Sams reported 12 families secured housing in 2025, though the housing needs assessment shows demand for 1,316 new homes by 2035. Commissioners formed a committee to address tourism board governance disputes that generated ethics complaints against the county.
Flood Recovery Funding
Officials secured $3.3 million through the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection program. Town Manager David J. Harris said the proposed CWCB loan covers the $3 million gap for projects not covered by FEMA.
The loan carries zero interest for three years and requires voter approval on the April 7 town ballot. Only town voters decide the measure.
North Pagosa Boulevard Grant
Officials will jointly apply for $800,000 in Highway Safety Improvement Program funding for reconstruction between US 160 and Bastille. The grant requires $80,000 in local matching funds with a February 20 deadline.
Harris noted the corridor handles approximately 7,500 vehicles daily. A 2019 Davis Engineering concept plan estimates total project costs between $1.5 million and $2 million.
Housing Coordinator Report
Sams reported nine homes sold through Community Development Corporation programs and three through Habitat for Humanity. Five buyers received down payment assistance.
The April 2025 housing needs assessment shows demand for 1,316 new homes by 2035 with a current shortfall of 362 units. Timberline Apartments with 50 units opens in February 2026.
Both jurisdictions met Prop 123 compliance requirements for 2023-2026. Sams’ position expires in 2026.
Tourism Board Governance
Commissioner Ranson raised concerns about the 2025 intergovernmental agreement changes. County Manager Longinos Gonzalez confirmed ethics complaints regarding tourism board operations.
Ranson cited reduced county oversight while maintaining financial contributions. Officials appointed a committee including Ranson, Council Member Williams, the county attorney and town manager to review governance.
US 160 Construction Update
Project spokesperson Meredith Greene reported the project remains 50 percent complete with full construction resuming March 2. Winter work continues on stormwater utilities in blocks 100-300.
Greene said favorable weather allowed continued utility work positioning the project for 2026 completion.
Country Center Drive
Jose Cervantes, real estate manager for The Kroger Co., said the company’s legal team continues working on property owners association or maintenance agreement options for the private shopping center road.
The town installed signage marking the road as privately owned and maintained.
Next Meeting
The next joint work session is February 23 at 5 p.m. at the County Administration Building.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent. 