📣FLOODING UPDATE — WORKING TO HELP OUR COMMUNITIES
Recent flooding has caused significant damage across parts of Bernalillo, Torrance, and Santa Fe Counties. My immediate concern is making sure the people affected have the information, resources, and assistance they need.
Last night, I participated in a Zoom meeting with Representative Harlan Vincent, who shared valuable experience from the devastating fires and flooding in Ruidoso.
I’ve asked my legislative assistance to help me reach out to county commissioners, county and municipal managers, the Governor’s Office, NMDOT, and other state and federal agencies to coordinate our response and identify available resources.
There are several things I’m working to determine:
• What emergency declarations may be needed to access state or federal assistance.
• What funding and resources may be available to help affected residents and communities.
• What can be done about damaged roads, washed-out dirt roads, culverts, and access to homes.
• Whether local governments can coordinate public meetings to provide residents with information and updates.
• How agencies such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service can assist with recovery.
I also want to make sure we’re looking beyond immediate cleanup. Where roads and culverts have been damaged, we need to consider improvements that will better prepare our communities for future flooding.
🚨If your home, business, or property has been damaged, please document the damage and contact your insurance company to begin the claims process. Keep photographs, receipts, and records of any expenses.
This is the first wide spread flooding event of this kind that I’ve dealt with as your state representative, and I want to make sure we’re bringing the right people together, asking the right questions, and identifying any gaps where additional assistance may be needed.
My goal is to have Bernalillo, Torrance, and Santa Fe Counties working together, alongside state and federal agencies, so that we’re sharing information, coordinating resources, and doing everything possible to help our communities recover.
If you’ve been affected by the flooding or need assistance identifying available resources, please contact my district legislative assistant.
District Legislative Aide: Charlene Smith
District Legislative Aide Email: charlene.smith@nmlegis.gov
District Legislative Aide Phone: (505)946-5622
I will continue providing updates as we learn more.
— Representative Stefani Lord
House District 22