RUIDOSO, N.M. — Weeks after catastrophic flooding swept through the Village of Ruidoso, the area has yet to receive a federal disaster declaration — a delay that’s slowing recovery efforts and limiting access to critical resources.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham had previously announced that $15 million in federal aid would be available to support recovery. However, a check of FEMA’s website shows that no federal disaster declaration has been issued.
“Until that declaration — I know that the governor, the congressional delegation, they’re all working to get that done — but until that is done, we don’t have any access to FEMA assistance,” said Kerry Gladden, a spokesperson for the Village of Ruidoso.
Without the declaration, federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remain on standby, unable to assist with cleanup or infrastructure support. The Corps has previously worked with the village on post-disaster mitigation projects, but this year, their involvement is on hold.
“We work with state, federal, and local partners to reduce risk ahead of time,” said Lt. Col. Nate Weander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Then respond, across the whole of government.”
The village’s Emergency Operations Center remains active, coordinating with state and federal partners in hopes of securing the declaration and unlocking much-needed aid.
Residents are being encouraged to document damage and report it through the Rapid Property Damage Assessment tool. Those experiencing non-life-threatening issues can call the nonemergency dispatch line at 575-526-0795.
