New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is championing President Joe Biden’s decision to have the federal government fully cover the costs for emergency protective work and debris removal in accordance with the state’s existing wildfire disaster declaration.
“I appreciate the president not only visiting our state today, but for committing to the people of New Mexico that the federal government will be here for the long-haul to help families and communities recover,” Lujan Grisham said in a recent press release. “It is the duty and the responsibility of the federal government to step in, and it was clear today that President Biden understands that. We will continue to work closely with the administration as we rebuild and find better ways to manage our forests together going forward.”
Biden’s announcement came at Lujan Grisham’s request and during a recent visit to New Mexico in the wake of wildfires that have totaled millions in damages. While there, Biden outlined details of his declaration, including removal of the state’s 25% cost share for efforts tied to emergency protection and debris removal.
After the briefing, Lujan Grisham joined Biden in the state’s Emergency Operations Center to praise first responders and meet with affected families.
The two largest wildfires in state history continue to rage in the Gila National Forest and northern New Mexico, the release said. The largest blaze continues to be the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire, which originated due to a U.S. Forest Service prescribed burn.