EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — President Joe Biden authorized an amendment to the major disaster declaration, providing additional disaster help in response the South Fork and Salt fires and subsequent flooding that hit the Ruidoso and Mescalero Apache region, according to NM Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Office.
Under the president’s major disaster declaration issued for the state on June 20, federal funding was made available to help individuals, households, and businesses. Public assistance, including debris removal, was also provided for Lincoln and Otero counties, including the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
This amendment adds federal funding for roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities and parks, recreational and other facilities, the governor’s office said.
Further designations may be made if requested by the state and justified by the results of ongoing damage assessments, the governor’s office said.
Individuals in Lincoln County and Otero County including the Mescalero Apache Tribe who have been affected by the South Fork and Salt fires or flooding can apply for assistance from FEMA through the following ways:
· Visit a Disaster Resource and Recovery Center Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
o Horton Complex, 237 Service Road, Ruidoso
o Mescalero Apache School, 249 White Mountain Dr., Mescalero
· Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
· Call the FEMA application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
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