Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

DENVER - Reducing Colorado's vulnerability to flood and drought disasters will be the theme of a conference sponsored by Governor Bill Owens on Dec. 2-3 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Denver, 1550 Court Place. The event is co-sponsored by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The Governor will give the welcoming remarks on December 2 at 10:00 AM.

"I personally witnessed the incredible damage and suffering caused by floods in southeastern Colorado this spring. These are serious problems, which might be avoided with better preparation," said Governor Owens.

Between 1900 and 1997, floods in Colorado resulted in 339 deaths and $3.6 billion in property damages. Although floods make up about 75 percent of the state's natural disasters, experts say that Colorado is also vulnerable to a severe, long-term drought that also could have devastating impacts on people, property and the economy.

Droughts are a normal part of the climate for all regions of the United States, but are of particular concern to the arid West where any interruption of the region's already limited water supplies over extended periods of time can produce significant impacts. According to state drought experts, the question about a severe long-term drought in Colorado is not "if" but "when" it will occur.

The Governor's Flood and Drought Preparedness Conference will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, and run through 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3. The registration fee is $100 for people who pre-register before Nov. 30 and $150 at the door.

Agenda topics include an assessment of Colorado's vulnerability to floods and droughts, the economic impacts associated with these natural disasters, and case studies that illustrate where improvements can be made in the state's preparedness and response abilities. Speakers from federal agencies are being invited to provide a national perspective on trends in mitigating floods and droughts. Conference participants will also hear about how other states are addressing flood and drought concerns.

"The conference will bring together policy makers from all levels of government and business leaders from those industries that are most at risk to the forces of nature, such as agriculture and tourism," said Governor Owens.

If you would like to register to attend the Governor's Flood and Drought Preparedness Conference, send a check for $100 payable to: Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Attention: Regina Rodriguez, 1313 Sherman St., Room 718, Denver, CO 80218. For more information about the conference, contact Kathy Kanda by mail at the same address, by e-mail at or by telephone at (303) 866-5887.

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