Members of NM Delegation to FEMA: More Time for Ruidoso Projects

Washington, DC –U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to grant project extensions to the Village of Ruidoso.

In 2008, Hurricane Dolly caused extensive flooding in the Village of Ruidoso that damaged critical infrastructure. While progress has been made, the projects have faced uncontrollable delays that affected their ability to meet the original timeline. For example, the extreme weather and variability in the flow conditions of the Rio Ruidoso often limit construction schedules, causing significant delays.   

 “After disaster struck Ruidoso in 2008, community leaders pulled together and worked hard to help repair the damage that was done. But time and again, factors outside of their control, such as extreme weather, set back their progress. I urge FEMA to grant these project extensions to ensure that the people of Ruidoso receive the help they need to recover and rebuild both safely and effectively,” said Udall.

“I will continue working to ensure that Ruidoso fully recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Dolly,” said Heinrich. “I join my colleagues in this request to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency to grant extensions for these community rebuilding project, so that the people of Ruidoso can return to every aspect of their daily lives in the fullest.”

“The Village of Ruidoso, a community that I serve, has been struggling for more than ten years to complete repairs caused by destructive floods in 2008,” said Torres Small. “The long-term recovery of this community depends on the completion of these critical projects but time and again, significant roadblocks beyond their control have delayed their progress. I urge FEMA to grant these extensions and will work with my colleagues to make sure Ruidoso gets the assistance it needs to push these projects across the finish line.”

The full text of the letter is available HERE.

During a May OMA Subcommittee Hearing, Torres Small also received a commitment from FEMA Associate Administrator for Mission Support Brian Kamoie that his office would investigate the Village of Ruidoso’s decade long struggles to negotiate federal assistance for these projects.