Declaration provides funding and other resources to support recovery from monsoon-related flooding
Santa Fe, NM – On Thursday January 6th, Governor Lujan Grisham signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in the Pueblo of Laguna. Since then, state and tribal partners have worked in close coordination to implement the Governor’s declaration and provide local leaders with the tools and funding they need to recover from two monsoon events that caused severe flooding across the Pueblo on July 20th and August 2nd of 2021.
This order provides up to $300,000 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.
“The Pueblo of Laguna appreciates the funding provided by Governor Lujan Grisham and the State of New Mexico in the Executive Order 2022-003 declaring an emergency in the Pueblo of Laguna due to back-to-back flooding events in July and August of 2021,” said Pueblo Emergency Preparedness Manager Virgil Siow. “The heavy rains impacted the Pueblo’s irrigations system, roadways and homes, causing hardship for Pueblo citizens. The funding will assist the Pueblo in the repairs to our critical infrastructure. Special thanks to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Recovery Unit for the assistance they provided.”
“This was a historic monsoon season, leading to more than a dozen state emergency declarations for cities, counties and tribes across the state” said DHSEM Deputy Secretary Kelly Hamilton. “With this executive order, officials in the Pueblo of Laguna will have the resources to repair damaged roadways, culverts, canals, and other essential infrastructure. Additionally, our Recovery Team will continue to work closely with tribal leaders and other partners to support the Pueblo’s recovery.”
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DHSEM works to protect the people of New Mexico and the nation through a comprehensive and coordinated program of mitigating hazards, preparing for emergencies, preventing attacks, and recovering from disasters. The New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office is part of DHSEM beginning on July 1, 2021.