Enchantment State News

President Joe Biden has authorized an amendment to the major disaster declaration for New Mexico, providing additional federal assistance in response to the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and subsequent flooding that began on June 17, 2024.

Initially issued on June 20, the President’s major disaster declaration made federal funding available to assist individuals, households, and businesses. Public assistance for debris removal (Categories A and B) was also provided for Lincoln and Otero counties, including the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

The recent amendment extends public assistance federal funding for permanent work under categories C through G:

- Category C: Roads and bridges

- Category D: Water control facilities

- Category E: Public buildings and contents

- Category F: Public utilities

- Category G: Parks, recreational, and other facilities

Additionally, the amendment includes federal funding for individual assistance and public assistance for Rio Arriba and San Juan counties affected by flooding. This support aims to aid individuals, households, businesses, as well as repair damaged facilities and other emergency-related work.

Further designations may be made if requested by the state and justified by ongoing damage assessments.

Residents of Lincoln County, Otero County including the Mescalero Apache Tribe, San Juan County, and Rio Arriba County impacted by the South Fork and Salt fires or flooding can apply for FEMA assistance through several methods:

- Visit a Disaster Resource and Recovery Center from Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- Horton Complex at 237 Service Road in Ruidoso

- Mescalero Apache School at 249 White Mountain Dr., Mescalero

- Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

- Call FEMA's application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Calls are accepted daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain time with help available in most languages. For those using relay services such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other services should provide FEMA with their service number.