The state of New Mexico has received partial approval for a federal emergency declaration to aid flood-damaged communities. This approval will provide immediate federal personnel resources to support response and recovery efforts in Ruidoso. However, the state is still working with federal partners to secure additional financial assistance.
“This federal declaration is a critical first step, but it’s not everything Ruidoso needs and deserves,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We will continue working with the federal government for every dollar and resource necessary to help this resilient community fully recover from these devastating floods.”
The emergency declaration offers immediate assistance for life-saving activities, including urban search and rescue teams and support staff for the incident management team. However, several requests are still under review. These include direct financial assistance for individuals, households, and businesses in Lincoln and Valencia counties. The requested aid includes grants for home repair or replacement, essential expenses like medical costs, temporary housing solutions, and transitional sheltering assistance.
Additionally, the governor’s request seeks federal reimbursement for emergency work such as debris removal in Chaves, Lincoln, Otero, and Valencia counties. It also covers permanent repairs of disaster-damaged facilities like roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, utilities, parks, recreational areas, and other public infrastructure.
To support these efforts further, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is collaborating with FEMA to conduct preliminary damage assessments and provide additional documentation as needed.
A state Disaster Recovery Center operates at ENMU-Ruidoso from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., where residents can seek help with document replacement or insurance queries. Additionally, residents can contact the State Disaster Helpline at 1-833-663-4736 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or visit the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s website for more information.
