U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) continued her district work this month by visiting with residents and leaders in Carrizozo, Ruidoso and with Mescalero Apache Tribal leadership.

The Congresswoman was taken to the burn scar of the South Fork and Salt fires and the areas affected by the floods to survey damage and listen to residents about the recovery process so far.

“What I saw today was the embodiment of New Mexico Strong,” Rep.  Stansbury said. “The South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding were devastating to these communities. I saw perseverance, togetherness, and grit. It was my honor to spend time with the people in Carrizozo, Ruidoso, and Mescalero Apache over the last two days, listening to them and touring the burn scar and flood damage so I can take this information back to Washington, D.C. and fight for what they need.”

Rep. Stansbury met last week with Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford, Carrizozo Mayor Bob Hemphill, Lincoln County Manager Randall Camp, Ruidoso City Manager Ron Sena, Brigadier General Matthew Henry of New Mexico National Guard, Lincoln County Commissioners Pierre Pfeffer and Jon Crunk, Mescalero Apache President Thora Walsh Padilla, Mescalero Apache Vice President Duane Duffy, and members of the Tribal Council.

To begin the recovery process, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $4.83 million in Housing Assistance, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $7.44 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans.

The deadline to apply for FEMA Assistance has been extended to Aug. 19, 2024. To find out if residents are eligible for FEMA assistance, they can go either online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 1.800.462.7585.

The Salt and South Fork fires started June 17 and quickly grew. Two people died in the South Fork Fire. At least 850 homes were destroyed near and in Ruidoso, and thousands of people were evacuated.