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<br />Executive Summary <br /> <br />"It's a long drawn out affair. Can't believe it's been a year." <br /> <br />That comment, made by Atwood Postmaster Roma Mason on the first anniversary of the <br />1997 disaster, undoubtedly echoed the feelings of many residents of communities <br />impacted by the flooding. Forthose who lost loved ones, homes, businesses and personal <br />possessions, words cannot begin to describe the grief, frustration and other emotions <br />encountered as the first steps toward emotional and physical recovery were taken. <br /> <br />According to the Atwood Postmaster, the 1997 flood was worse than the last "great flood" in <br />1965, a claim supported by the estimates of flood engineers, In Fort Collins and in the Morgan <br />County community of Weldon a, the 1997 flood events far exceeded anything on record or in the <br />memories of long-time residents. <br /> <br />Nevertheless, substantial progress was made in the first year of recovery, even in the hardest <br />hit areas, due to the gritty determination of individuals and the coordinated efforts of <br />communities, supported by volunteer agencies and local, state and federal government <br />agencies. The new post office in Atwood is just one small example of the progress made in the <br />first year after the flood, A brand new Last Stand in Weldon a is once again serving as a <br />community center for local residents. Many other examples are highlighted in this report. <br /> <br />As always, the real heroes of recovery are neighbors helping neighbors, supported by local <br />elected officials, local government personnel, and the churches, civic groups and other <br />volunteer and charitable organizations that make up the backbone of every community. This <br />report attempts to chronicle the diligent and innovative efforts of these individuals and <br />organizations and the contributions of state and federal government agencies and programs. <br />The report also provides an historical account of the disaster, a reference digest of disaster <br />assistance programs, a statistical summary of programs delivered, and a set of lessons learned <br />for the benefit of counties, cities and towns in other parts of the state, <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />r-~*I <br /> <br />Tommy F. Grier, Jr., Director <br />Colorado Office of Emergency Management <br />