New Mexico Getting Federal Funds for Flood Repairs

At the request of New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, the President has declared a federal disaster for Lincoln and Sandoval counties and the Pueblo of Santa Clara for post-fire flooding from this year’s monsoon season.

The governor’s office says the preliminary damage assessment exceeds $13 million.

In Lincoln County, the Little Bear Fire destroyed more than 250 structures and burned nearly 45,000 acres before being controlled in late July.

Six watersheds including Bonito Lake were subjected to heavy silt and debris flow during monsoonal rains. Bonito Lake is a major source of water for Alamogordo.

Flooding in Sandoval County and on the Pueblo of Santa Clara was exacerbated by the burn scar left from last year’s Las Conchas Fire.