Colorado Governor Ritter Activates National Guard To Assist With Storm Response

April 18, 2009 -- At 1:30 this morning, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, in coordination with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs' Division of Emergency Management, activated the Colorado National Guard to support emergency shelter operations in Clear Creek County.

Hazardous weather conditions closed I-70 and other roads along the mountain corridor between Morrison and Vail. The severe weather forced numerous stranded motorists to seek emergency shelter in Idaho Springs and Georgetown.

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I-70 is now open in both directions, although travel is still discouraged at this time.

At the request of Clear Creek County, Gov. Ritter activated the National Guard. The Guard dispatched 10 citizen-soldiers from the 193rd Battalion in three Humvee vehicles to transport cots, blankets, diapers, water, food and other supplies from the Red Cross bulk warehouse in Denver to those staying in the emergency shelters (one in Georgetown and two in Idaho Springs).

Guard missions will continue today as necessary.

This is the second time in three weeks Gov. Ritter has activated the National Guard to assist with snow rescue operations. On March 26, he issued a disaster declaration in response to the blizzard that blanketed much of Colorado.

For the most current information on road closures: visit www.cotrip.org or call 511.

For information on individual and family preparedness, visit Ready Colorado at www.readycolorado.com.

Source: Colorado Governor