New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced the approval of $46.9 million in zero-interest loans for Mora and San Miguel counties.

The allocated funds will be used to target the repair and replacement of public infrastructure that incurred damage from the Hermit's Peak and Calf Canyon fire, according to a June 28 news release. These loans were made available through Senate Bill 6, which had been signed into law earlier this year by the governor.

“While our communities continue the daily struggle to recover and rebuild after the devastating Calf Canyon and Hermit’s Peak fire, the aid from Senate Bill 6 is proving to be an essential funding source as we await federal reimbursement,” Sen. Pete Campos, D-8th, said in the release.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham | Office of the Governor

This funding marks the initial disbursement from the bipartisan recovery bill for the Hermit's Peak and Calf Canyon fire, which was passed during the 2023 Legislative Session, the release reported. Damage had been caused by fire, flooding and debris flow.

“Getting this money out the door is a true testament to the power of collaboration between my administration, the legislature and local governments,” Lujan Grisham said in the release. “But this is by no means the end of our support for communities affected by the largest wildfire in state history. As I continue to urge the federal government to expedite the resources they owe northern New Mexicans, we will push forward together to make sure New Mexicans are taken care of in the meantime.”

“We are resilient but also recognize that this is going to be a long and difficult journey," Campos added, according to the release. "It is critical that we maintain hope and a positive momentum in the wake of this disaster and the myriad aftereffects still emerging on a daily basis. I applaud Gov. Lujan Grisham and her administration for the expedient work in helping to make our communities whole again.”

“A year after the worst fire in New Mexico’s history, we have seen the incredible resilience of all those impacted by this unprecedented crisis. However, we also know this resilient community is going to need continued support to fully recover,” Rep. Ambrose Castellano, D-70th, said in the release. “I am grateful to all my colleagues in the House and Senate and to Governor Lujan Grisham for prioritizing this relief and making sure it is efficiently distributed to those in need.”