News Alert, Announcement Kerry Gladden News Alert, Announcement Kerry Gladden

Upper Canyon Closure Begins August 7: Emergency Work to Get Underway for Water and Sewer Lines

The Village of Ruidoso will temporarily close the Upper Canyon area starting August 7, 2025, for emergency water and sewer repairs after flood damage. The area will be inaccessible for up to 14 days, possibly longer. Displaced residents will receive free hotel lodging arranged and paid for by NMDHSEM, with FEMA aid available at the Disaster Resource Center.

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Departments, Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden Departments, Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden

Flood-affected Lincoln and Doña Ana Counties Taxpayers Get Extension

Flood-affected businesses in Lincoln and Doña Ana Counties have until October 27, 2025, to file July 25 and August 25 tax returns without penalty. Late filing/payment penalties are waived, though interest still applies. Taxpayers must notify TRD by email or mail with documentation. Details: Bulletin 100.47 and Form RPD-41096 at tax.newmexico.gov.

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Departments, Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden Departments, Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden

SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Ruidoso to Support Local Recovery

The SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center at ENMU–Ruidoso to assist those affected by July’s storms, flooding, and landslides. Local businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters can get in-person help applying for low-interest disaster loans. Walk-ins welcome. Visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955 for details. Deadlines: Sept. 22 (physical), April 22 (economic).

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News Alert Kerry Gladden News Alert Kerry Gladden

Governor Secures Additional Federal Flooding Assistance

Major Disaster Declaration Issued for Lincoln County. Federal funding is now available to support flood recovery in Lincoln County following a Major Disaster Declaration. Assistance for individuals, businesses, and public cleanup is available at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. A local Disaster Recovery Center is open daily at ENMU-Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr.

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Departments, Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden Departments, Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden

South Fork Post-Fire Recovery Public Meeting Set for July 9 in Ruidoso

Join us July 9 for a South Fork Post-Fire Recovery Public Meeting at ENMU–Ruidoso, 5–7 p.m. with a pre-meeting help session from 4–5 p.m. Learn about post-fire assistance for private landowners, including federal and state recovery programs, cost-sharing, and technical guidance. Attend in person or online via Microsoft Teams.

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May 31 Deadline Set for Fire-Affected Landowners to Apply for USDA Watershed Assistance

Landowners impacted by the South Fork or Salt Fires can apply for USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance through Lincoln County. The deadline to submit applications is May 31, 2025. To apply, visit scmrcd.org. EWP helps protect property from post-fire erosion and flood risk.

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$10,000 Grants Available for Small Businesses Impacted by Disaster – Apply by May 21

Small businesses impacted by a natural disaster since January 2024 may be eligible for a $10,000 recovery grant through the Backing Small Businesses program, supported by American Express. Only 100 grants are available nationwide. Apply by Wednesday, May 21 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Don’t miss this chance to support recovery. Learn more »

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Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden Disaster Recovery Kerry Gladden

Village of Ruidoso Announces Public Comment Period for Community Recovery Grants

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to participate in public hearings on community recovery grants funded by the $137.1 million CDBG-DR program. These grants support recovery from disasters like the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and severe flooding. Attend in-person hearings at ENMU Ruidoso to share your input. Visit dhsem.nm.gov/cdbg-dr2025/ for meeting details and ways to provide input. Your voice matters!

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Departments, Emergency Management Kerry Gladden Departments, Emergency Management Kerry Gladden

Final Floodplain Map Released: Important Information and FAQs for Property Owners

The Village of Ruidoso Community Development Department has released the final floodplain map, providing essential information for property owners on rebuilding, permitting, and future construction standards. The map shows areas affected by floodplain and floodway regulations. Residents are encouraged to review the map and FAQs to understand potential impacts. For more information, call 575- 258-6999.

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Departments Kerry Gladden Departments Kerry Gladden

Ruidoso Forestry Department Begins Fuel Reduction Projects Near Grindstone Lake and Moon Mountain

Starting March 17, the Ruidoso Forestry Department will launch two major fire prevention efforts. A 30-acre thinning project on Grindstone Lake’s south end and a 71-acre fuel break along Moon Mountain’s west side are designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. These initiatives will use only mechanical treatments to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health, with no prescribed burns planned.

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Wildfire Recovery Resource Kerry Gladden Wildfire Recovery Resource Kerry Gladden

Hazard Tree, Watershed Stabilization, and Debris Removal Programs for Private Landowners Impacted by the South Fork Fire

The Village of Ruidoso alerts residents to three post-fire recovery programs for private landowners impacted by the South Fork Fire. Each program is independently funded and requires separate applications. The NM Forestry Division provides watershed stabilization and hazard tree mitigation, NRCS offers emergency watershed protection, and NM DHSEM provides full-service debris removal. Landowners can apply via the provided QR codes or agency websites.

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Congress Allocates $2 Billion for SBA Disaster Loans: Recovery Funds Now Available for Ruidoso Residents and Businesses

Congress has approved $2 billion for the SBA Disaster Loan Program, allowing Ruidoso residents and businesses impacted by disasters like the South Fork and Salt Fires to access low-interest loans. This funding will help over 21,000 applicants nationwide resume recovery efforts. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits can apply online at sba.gov/disaster or in person at a Disaster or Business Recovery Center.

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Final Environmental Assessment Paves Way for South Sacramento Forest Restoration

The Lincoln National Forest has finalized an environmental assessment for the South Sacramento Restoration Project, which targets 140,000 acres in the Sacramento Mountains. The initiative aims to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and restore wildlife habitats and watersheds. The assessment is being reviewed by the public, and an objection period will start in mid-December. Implementation will span 10–20 years.

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USDA Launches Voluntary Property Buyout Program to Protect Lincoln County Residents from Future Flooding

The USDA’s NRCS offers a Voluntary Property Buyout Program for Lincoln County residents affected by recent fires and floods. Eligible homeowners can sell flood-prone properties to reduce future risks, with purchased lands designated as open spaces for flood control. Join the informational meeting on Nov. 20, 2024, at 6 pm at ENMU-Ruidoso or via Zoom to learn more.

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State Forestry Division Offers Free Assistance to Landowners for Hazard Tree Removal and Erosion Control in South Fork and Salt Fire Areas

The State Forestry Division is offering free hazard tree removal and erosion control assistance to landowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Eligible Lincoln County residents can apply for services, including removal of damaged trees near structures, erosion barriers, and soil stabilization measures. This effort aims to reduce future flood risks and aid watershed recovery in burn-scarred areas. Visit the Division’s website for application details.

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Economic Relief Funds, PSA Kerry Gladden Economic Relief Funds, PSA Kerry Gladden

Next Steps in the FEMA Disaster Assistance Process: What You Need to Know

Already applied for FEMA disaster assistance? Here’s how to stay on track: Keep your FEMA registration number handy for any follow-ups. Regularly check your application status via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app, or by calling (800) 621-3362. Update FEMA with any changes in contact info. If eligible, funds will be directly deposited. For questions, visit a Disaster Recovery Center (fema.gov/drc).

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Less Than 5 Days Left to Apply for FEMA and SBA Disaster Assistance in New Mexico: Deadline Approaches for Fire and Flood Victims

Residents of Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding between June 17 and Aug. 20, 2024, have less than five days to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline is Oct. 19 to apply for FEMA aid or SBA low-interest disaster loans. Don’t wait—apply online, by phone, or visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Horton Complex in Ruidoso.

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