State Provides Nearly $100M Towards Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Recovery
Funding awarded to local entities as zero-interest loans
SANTA FE, NM—The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management (DHSEM), awarded $99.6 million in zero-interest loans to political subdivisions of the state for projects to replace or repair public infrastructure damaged by fire, flooding, or debris flows caused by or stemming from the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire.
These awards represent the allocation from the bipartisan Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire recovery bill (SB6), led and signed into law in February 2023 by Governor Lujan Grisham as part of a $100 million appropriation during the 2023 Legislative Session.
“My priority is getting relief into the hands of fire victims as soon as possible,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “These no interest loans will help New Mexico communities repair or replace critical infrastructure that will help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.”
“The Hermits Peak Calf Canyon fires were difficult to navigate for the county, but the resulting flooding has been devastating, and without this funding, we wouldn’t have had the cash flow to carry us through corrective action.” said San Miguel County Manager Joy Ansley. “We appreciate the State making these loan appropriations available. The process was simple and easy to comply with, and it enabled the county to correct critical infrastructure failures quickly and efficiently.”
Projects include:
- $41.1 million to Mora County for road and culvert repairs
- $34.2 million to San Miguel County for road and bridge repairs
- $22.6 million to the City of Las Vegas for debris removal projects and a temporary filtration system
- $1 million to Mora Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Associations (MDWSA) for well water pump project
- $500 thousand to Agua Pura Water Association for water supply system pipe repairs and replacement
“We held this financial support to the highest priority,” said DFA Cabinet Secretary Wayne Propst. “It’s a testament to our Local Government Division and our willingness to take on something new and challenging because we believe in doing all we can to help the people of Northern New Mexico as they heal from the fires.”
“This funding was an innovative way for the State to support local recovery from the fires that severely impacted our communities in the north,” said DHSEM Interim Cabinet Secretary, Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar. “We are grateful for the leadership from Governor Lujan Grisham and the partnership with DFA that allowed us to help rebuild critical infrastructure.”
The recovery loans assist qualified political subdivisions to bridge the financial gap before FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement. This FEMA aid, linked to the state’s loan program, supports local entities with significant and permanent damage.