Follow-Up: New Mexico Commits Another $42.75 Million to Flood Response as Federal Reimbursement Remains Unapproved
New Mexico is committing another large sum to flood response in the state's north. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed 57 emergency executive orders committing $42.75 million in state funding to flood response in northern New Mexico, moving money to communities now while the state waits for the federal government to approve reimbursement.
Each order authorizes $750,000 to remove debris and repair roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in communities harmed by flooding that began October 22. Combined with $3.75 million authorized for separate flooding on September 30 and $8.25 million authorized on Monday, October 26, the State of New Mexico has committed nearly $55 million to flood response over the past month. GSM previously reported that the federal government partially granted the state's emergency request, with four counties and five Tribal communities receiving federal flood assistance.
“The president has recognized what families in San Juan County already know: this is a disaster,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “What hasn't come yet is the federal commitment to help pay for the response. FEMA should already be on the ground in New Mexico, and we can't sit and wait for them with more storms on the way. New Mexico is now forced to cover these costs while pressing our case to Washington.” She added that first responders pulled families off rooftops and directly out of the water, road crews cleared debris around the clock, and counties and Tribal nations spent money they don't have to keep people safe.
President Trump on Friday signed an Emergency Declaration recognizing the disaster and allowing New Mexico to seek assistance from federal agencies. However, the federal government has not yet approved the state's request for reimbursement of debris removal and emergency protective measures; until it does, state, county and Tribal governments are covering those costs. Damage in San Juan County and surrounding areas could exceed $200 million, with thousands of homes damaged, raw sewage spilled into the San Juan River, and communities contending with downed power lines and gas leak risks. Even with approval, federal reimbursement covers 75 percent of those costs, leaving state and local governments responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
The state is preparing a request for a Major Disaster Declaration to seek reimbursement and federal help with long-term recovery, and more counties are likely to be added as damage assessments continue. Residents affected by the flooding can find resources and updates on the governor's flooding-resources page.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Farmington 上空航拍，图中河流为 San Juan 河（资料图）。照片：Dicklyon，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / An aerial view over Farmington, New Mexico, with the San Juan River (file photo). Photo by Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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- 2026-10-31Follow-Up: New Mexico Commits Another $42.75 Million to Flood Response as Federal Reimbursement Remains UnapprovedThis story
