Press Release- April 24, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
RITTER ACTIVATES COLORADO NATIONAL GUARD TO ASSIST WITH APRIL STORM RECOVERY
Gov. Bill Ritter this evening activated the Colorado National Guard to assist with the recovery of three buses and dozens of other motorists stranded in eastern El Paso County from heavy snow and high winds of up to 60 mph.
National Guard troops have mobilized out of Fort Carson in two specialized Snowcats and two military SUVs. Two school buses ¿ one with 30 children and another with 15 children ¿ and a third bus with 11 senior citizens were reported stranded along an ice-covered Highway 94 near the town of Yoder. As many as 70 passenger vehicles also were caught in the storm.
The state has activated the Emergency Operations Center and is providing assistance to El Paso County, said Emergency Management Director George Epp. Pueblo and Elbert counties also are assisting.
High winds and heavy snowfall are expected to taper off later tonight.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.