New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced the approval of $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to 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/Calf Canyon fire.
The loans, which were made available through Senate Bill 6, had previously been signed into law earlier this year by the governor; according to a June 28 press release from Lujan Grisham's office. 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. The funding marks the initial disbursement from the bipartisan recovery bill for the 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,” 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.”
Other state officials also commented on the funding, including state Sen. Pete Campos (D-Dist 8).
“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,” the senator said in the 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.”
State Rep. Ambrose Castellano (D-Dist. 70) praised the toughness of the people of New Mexico after dealing with the disasters.
“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,” he said in the release. “However, we also know this resilient community is going to need continued support to fully recover. 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.”