Governor signs emergency declaration for Village of Ruidoso
Declaration provides new resources to support recovery from last month’s severe storms and flooding
Santa Fe, NM – Governor Lujan Grisham on Tuesday signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the Village of Ruidoso. This order aims to provide local officials with the tools and funding they need to begin recovering from the heavy rainfall and flooding that began early last month.
Like similar declarations for Roswell, Belen, and several New Mexico counties, this order provides up to $750,000 for the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) to support public recovery efforts organized by local officials. In this instance, the state constitution does not allow state emergency funds to be used for direct financial assistance to private individuals.
State emergency declarations also authorize the Adjutant General to activate the New Mexico National Guard for necessary support, and they direct all cabinet departments to assist with a statewide response.
"On behalf of the Village of Ruidoso, I would like to express our appreciation for the quick response from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Caroline Buerkle from the Governor's office, the DHSEM Secretary, and the NMDOT Secretary,” said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford. “Their quick response in organizing a disaster declaration for our community after the recent flood event will help us rebuild and repair the damage that was done to our infrastructure that is vitally important to our residents."
“I would like to thank Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this executive order, as well as the DHSEM staff and first responders who have worked so hard to support this recovery,” said DHSEM Secretary Bianca Ortiz-Wertheim. “This declaration is a major step in the Village of Ruidoso’s recovery from this disaster, providing local officials with the funds they need to repair damaged roadways, water lines, sewage systems, and other infrastructure that the people of Ruidoso rely on. Moving forward, our team will continue to work closely with local officials and NGOs to ensure a coordinated and effective recovery.”
