Enchantment State News

WASHINGTON –  U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) announced over $18 million in federal funding for to help recovery efforts for New Mexicans impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $17,324,953 for the Mora-San Miguel Electric Co-Op to repair system-wide electrical infrastructure damages. FEMA also awarded $1,454,213 to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for reimbursement for mutual aid provided for emergency protective measures including shelter operations, equipment, and staff to support community members and their pets that were evacuated as a result of Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Wildfire.

“As New Mexico’s recovery from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire continues, this federal investment will be a significant help,” said Senator Luján, “I’m glad this funding will help repair the damages to electrical infrastructure in Mora and San Miguel, ensuring resources like utility poles and transformers are fully functional. This federal investment will also go towards reimbursing our state’s emergency protective services to help bolster their resources so they are ready to meet the needs of the New Mexicans.”

“The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire destroyed individual homes and businesses, and also the foundational infrastructure we collectively rely on,” said Senator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “To get through, New Mexicans pulled together and gave shelter and support to their neighbors. These federal funds will help us rebuild our electrical infrastructure and repay those who gave shelter when it was needed most.”

“The beautiful communities of Mora and San Miguel Counties are resilient,” said Representative Leger Fernández. “The largest wildfire in New Mexico history will not stop us from rebuilding. This funding will repair basic infrastructure to further heal the wounds the fire caused. We will continue to use every possible federal resource to not only compensate those who lost so much in the fires, but invest in their future.”

Background: In addition to this grant, last year, Luján and New Mexico Congressional Democrats successfully passed the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act to establish the Hermit’s Peak Claim Office within FEMA and provide $3.95 billion for New Mexico families and businesses impacted by wildfire. The legislation also required USDA to cover 100 percent cost share for its programs.  The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act was led by Senator Luján and Representative Leger Fernández, and co-sponsored by Senator Heinrich and Representative Stansbury. 

Original source can be found here.