SANTA FE, NM—The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management
(DHSEM), have awarded $70 million in zero-interest loans to local governments to repair or replace public infrastructure damaged by fire, flooding, or debris caused by or stemming from the Salt and South Fork fires.

These awards represent the allocation from House Bill 1 of the 2024 Special Session

"These zero interest loans reflect my administration's commitment to helping communities rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating Salt and South
Fork Fires," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "I appreciate the Department of Finance and Administration's diligence in getting these loans to local governments quickly and efficiently."

Projects include:

$20.5 million
to Lincoln County to repair road and bridge damages in the Cedar Creek area.

$15.5 million
to Lincoln County to repair road and bridge damages in the Gavilan Canyon area.

$44 million
to the Village of Ruidoso to repair road and bridge damages in Upper Canyon area.

"In less than 50 days since the bill was signed, DFA got this money out the door so it can be put to use as the community rebuilds and recovers from
the fires," said DFA Sec. Wayne Propst. "We treated this with the utmost urgency and completed the process as quickly as possible.

"The fires and floods brought devastating impacts to this community, and we know how important it is to get them the resources they need to rebuild in a way that makes them more resilient. We appreciate the leadership of Governor Lujan Grisham and the partnership with DFA to find the most efficient way to kick start Lincoln County's recovery," said DHSEM Interim Cabinet Secretary, Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar.

The recovery loans assist qualified political subdivisions to bridge the financial gap before FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement. This FEMA aid, linked to the state's loan program, supports local entities with significant and permanent damage.