On June 28, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the approval of $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties. The allocated funds will go towards the repair and replacement of public infrastructure that sustained damage during the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
“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,” said New Mexico State Sen. Pete Campos, according to a press release. “We are resilient but also recognize that this is going to be a long and difficult journey. 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.”
According to a press release, $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties was approved on June 28, 2023. These loans were made available through Senate Bill 6 which had previously been signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Lujan Grisham. The allocated funds will be utilized for various projects aimed at repairing and replacing public infrastructure that was damaged as a result of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, including damage caused by fire, flooding, and debris flows. This funding marks the initial disbursement from the bipartisan recovery bill for the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon fire, which was passed during the 2023 Legislative Session.
“Getting this money out the door is a true testament to the power of collaboration between my administration, the Legislature, and local governments,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham, according to the press 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.”
The initial round of funding will go towards projects focused on road and culvert restoration and resurfacing. The infrastructure was weakened by the fires and following rainfall and flooding, according to the press release.
“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,” said Rep. Ambrose Castellano, according to the press 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.”
In addition to these loans, the Lujan Grisham administration has issued 21 executive orders declaring more than $15 million in emergency funding for rebuilding efforts in response to the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire.
