SANTA FE, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration after northern New Mexico floods damaged hundreds of homes and drove losses past $200 million.
The request covers the Oct. 22 to 30 flooding in northern New Mexico and seeks help for residents and reimbursement for flood response.
If federal officials approve it, residents in San Juan, Cibola, Socorro and Santa Fe counties and Acoma and Laguna pueblos could apply for federal help with home repairs, rent, temporary housing and other disaster-related needs.
The governor also requested reimbursement for San Juan, Cibola, Rio Arriba, Socorro and Valencia counties and the pueblos of Acoma and Laguna for debris removal, emergency response costs and repairs to roads, bridges, water-control facilities and other public infrastructure.
“The State of New Mexico has used every available resource to respond to this disaster, and we’re not letting up. These families have lost their homes, their belongings and in some cases everything they own, and we need the federal government to do its part to help them rebuild,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I urge the federal government to approve our request without delay,” said Lujan Grisham.
The major disaster request follows the governor’s Oct. 24 request for an emergency declaration. The federal government offered direct agency assistance but the governor’s office said it did not approve reimbursement for rescues, emergency response and debris removal.
The request also came as San Juan County faced another round of flooding. Heavy rain Sunday pushed the San Juan, Animas and La Plata rivers higher again, and the National Weather Service forecast major flooding on the San Juan River at Farmington through Tuesday morning.
Early assessments counted 604 damaged or destroyed homes, including 353 that were destroyed or had major damage. State emergency officials expect that number to rise to as many as 2,000 as assessments continue.
In San Juan County alone, the floods destroyed 64 homes.
Road and bridge repairs are expected to cost more than $40 million. The state also estimates nearly $42 million in agricultural losses, including damaged acequias, fencing and hay supplies.
Total damage is expected to top $200 million. The state said that is almost the full annual budget of San Juan County.
