RUIDOSO, N.M.– U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) met with New Mexicans affected by severe flash flooding in Ruidoso, received an update on the disaster and future recovery efforts, and delivered supplies to flood victims.
“What we saw today was devastation – to businesses, properties, and families whose lives changed overnight. But we also saw enormous community strength. It will take time, resources, and work to rebuild, and this community is ready. Talking with the local leaders and impacted residents, it's clear that we can all support their work, and we must,” said Heinrich. “I am grateful to all those, on the ground and from afar, who are working to support Ruidoso in this critical time. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy. And I will keep urging President Trump to approve a full Major Disaster Declaration to unlock all the federal support needed to rebuild.”
“Seeing the devastation from the flooding in Ruidoso firsthand is heartbreaking and tragic,” said Luján. “My prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and with those who were injured or forced from their homes. I’m deeply grateful to the first responders whose quick action saved lives, and to the local leaders whose tireless work is guiding the community through this crisis. With more rain projected this weekend, I encourage residents to stay vigilant. The road to recovery is just getting underway, but the approval of an emergency declaration is a critical first step. I’ll keep working with our Congressional Delegation to push for a Major Disaster Declaration and to deliver the federal support that Ruidoso families need to rebuild.”
Earlier this week, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Congressional Delegation welcomed the President’s granting of an emergency declaration for Chaves, Lincoln, Otero, and Valencia Counties, while renewing their call for President Trump to grant a Major Disaster Declaration in the wake of severe flooding that took the lives of three people and damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
The emergency declaration opens up access to specific FEMA funds for immediate disaster response, including support for search and rescue and incident management efforts. An emergency declaration does not preclude a subsequent Major Disaster Declaration. Therefore, the N.M. Delegation will continue to push President Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Through a Major Disaster Declaration request, the State of New Mexico has requested Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State also requested Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.