Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – The New Mexico Congressional Delegation today confirmed that President Obama has signed a disaster declaration, making qualified New Mexico counties eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.

In February, parts of New Mexico suffered from record-breaking cold weather that disrupted natural gas and water services.  Subsequently, Governor Susana Martinez sought a disaster declaration allowing FEMA to assist communities recovering from the damage.  The request, which was approved today, was strongly supported by the Congressional Delegation in a letter to President Obama.

As a result of the declaration, the following counties and communities can seek FEMA assistance: Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, Sierra, Socorro, and Taos Counties and the Tribal jurisdictions of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Santa Ana Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, and the portions of Santa Clara Pueblo that lie entirely within Rio Arriba County.  FEMA continues to review Bernalillo, Doña Ana and Sandoval counties; the declaration can be amended to include them.

Communities can seek funds to defray the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities and parks.   FEMA typically covers costs that are otherwise not covered by insurance.

"The record-breaking cold weather took its toll on a significant part of our state.  I'm glad President Obama has signed this disaster declaration, which enables New Mexico communities to enlist FEMA's help," Senator Jeff Bingaman said.

"Tens of thousands of residents and businesses lost heat and water, while state and local authorities were stretched to manage the crisis as a result of the cold conditions. The federal disaster declaration for public assistance by the president is welcome news that will enable FEMA to help the continued recovery of our communities," Senator Tom Udall said.

"I'm pleased that many communities in New Mexico will now receive some relief from this crisis. At the same time, FEMA must address the serious impacts to Bernalillo and Sandoval counties and provide them with the needed designation for assistance," Representative Martin Heinrich said.

"These federal funds will help local and tribal governments recoup some of the costs incurred from their efforts to help families and small businesses rebuild, repair, and recover from the natural gas outage.  After traveling throughout the affected region in Northern New Mexico – witnessing the dedication of first responders, local leaders, and families – I am pleased our communities will receive this much-needed federal assistance," Representative Ben Ray Luján said.

"I am pleased that FEMA has responded positively to the needs of the people of New Mexico, and will work with the Governor and the congressional delegation in the ongoing effort to make people whole.  FEMA still has to finish assessing the full request that includes the state's larger counties, but I commend the agency for moving forward today and not holding up critical action for these jurisdictions," Representative Steve Pearce said.

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will be asked to brief eligible counties and communities about the benefits triggered by a disaster declaration.  Additionally, that department will receive the initial application from communities, which will have 30 days from their designation date to apply.  If approved, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the costs; the state will cover the rest.