Roads To Jamestown Reopen, But Destruction Is Severe
JAMESTOWN, Colo. (CBS4) - Roads leading in and out of Jamestown have reopened. The small town above Boulder had been cut off since the flooding started two weeks ago.
Jamestown was certainly one of the worst hit areas. When the swollen James Creek and Little James Creek exceeded their banks the raging flood waters destroyed homes, cars, trucks and roads. A popular resident of the town was also killed.
The damage was so severe in the Boulder County town (population 300) that many trapped residents had to be airlifted out.
PHOTO GALLERY: Destruction In Jamestown
When a CBS4 crew was there on Wednesday some residents were back in town to recover what they could.
Cooper Didier showed CBS4 the wreckage lying in a pile that used to be his home.
"That's part of the roof and it's laying on what was the living room floor," he said.
Some parts of the roof from his neighbor's home are also lying amid the rubble.
As bad as the damage is in Jamestown, destruction like it has happened before. In 1969 it rained for four days straight and caused major problems. Residents rebuilt then and vow to rebuild now.
Deborah Haynes' home is one of many that survived, but the buildings around it did not.
"This is now they are calling a 1,000 year flood. This is way worse in terms of the devastation," she said.
Jamestown's main street with its beloved business the Jamestown Mercantile and the town hall still stand, but so much is gone.
The homes that survived are generally those up on the sides of the canyons next to the town.
"I live on top so it's kind of neat. It's sort of like being on the Titanic," Debra Reuben said. "Everything works but the infrastructure is completely gone."
There are already some signs of progress. A bridge is functional once again and crews are working to restore power.
But the greatest loss is that of 72-year town fixture Joey Howlett. A burn scarred hillside came down on his home.
Additional Resources
A fundraising effort is taking place for Jamestown in the aftermath of the flooding. Visit campsteve.com/jamestown for details.
Colorado Floods: How To Help
The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
