State declares tiny southeast Colorado town abandoned after infighting, resignations and a water crisis
- Posted on July 29, 2026
- By The Denver Post
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
A southeastern Colorado municipality faces an unprecedented governance crisis as multiple officials resigned amid internal disputes and deteriorating water infrastructure. State authorities have declared the town officially abandoned, a rare legal designation that removes it from standard municipal operations. This drastic measure represents the only viable pathway to secure federal and state resources for addressing the community's critical water shortage and rebuilding functional local administration.
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State declares tiny southeast Colorado town abandoned after infighting, resignations and a water crisis
With no government, the town cannot hold elections. “Abandonment is the only legal mechanism … that creates an avenue for residents of the area to receive clean water,” the new order says.
