Village of Ruidoso Declares Local Emergency Following Winter Storm
January 27, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The Village of Ruidoso Governing Body adopted a local emergency declaration Resolution 2026-08 in response to the recent winter storm and its impacts on roads, utilities, public safety, and essential services throughout the community.
A local emergency declaration is a standard and important step. It allows the Village to respond efficiently, coordinate with partner agencies, and document impacts as recovery efforts move forward.
What a Local Emergency Declaration Does
Issuing a declaration enables the Village to:
Activate emergency response and recovery plans
Coordinate closely with Lincoln County, the State of New Mexico, and partner agencies
Document damages, response actions, and costs related to the storm
Preserve eligibility to seek state and federal assistance if impacts exceed local capacity
This declaration does not automatically impose restrictions on residents or daily activities. Any changes affecting the public would be communicated separately and clearly.
Why Documentation Matters
As part of the recovery process, damages and response costs must be carefully documented.
For Lincoln County, the Public Assistance reimbursement threshold is $95,669.68. Eligible costs may include emergency protective measures, road clearing, debris removal, overtime, and equipment use. Meeting this threshold does not guarantee reimbursement, but it is required in order to be considered.
Early documentation is why issuing a declaration is important—it ensures the Village and County are positioned appropriately should assistance become available.
How the Assistance Process Works
If assistance is pursued, it follows a required path:
Village of Ruidoso → Lincoln County → State of New Mexico → Federal assistance
Each step requires coordination, verification, and detailed documentation to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
Transparency and Public Access
Residents may review the official declaration and watch the Special Emergency Council Meeting where it was discussed and adopted:
How Residents Can Help
Residents and business owners are encouraged to complete the REACH Survey to report January storm-related damages.
Damage reports help support accurate documentation and strengthen the Village’s ability to coordinate recovery efforts.
