House Unanimously Passes Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Recovery Fund
Fund would provide no-interest loans for communities recovering from the largest wildfire in New Mexico history
Santa Fe, NM - Today, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 6, the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Recovery Fund. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.
SB 6 would appropriate $100 million to the Department of Finance and Administration to provide no-interest loans to communities recovering from the damage caused by Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, the subsequent flooding, and anticipated issues surrounding the runoff this spring.
The Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon fire - the largest in our state’s history - destroyed more than 600 homes and 350,000 acres, affecting many New Mexicans whose livelihoods were tied to the land, ranches, and livestock lost. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be providing federal aid, but without immediate financial support to replace and repair damaged infrastructure, some communities might never fully recover.
“It will take generations for our rural northern New Mexican communities to rebuild from the devastating losses and destruction caused by the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon fire,” said Representative Ambrose Castellano (D-Las Vegas). “On behalf of our community and all the families impacted by these fires, I would like to thank Speaker Javier Martínez for moving this bill forward so quickly, all of my colleagues in the House and the Senate, and Governor Lujan Grisham for all working together, so we can bring relief to those who need it right away.”
“Countless New Mexicans volunteered time and supplies to help their neighbors in the immediate aftermath of the fire. SB 6 continues that support by delivering the financial assistance most needed at this moment to help the fire victims rebuild their lives and communities,” said Representative Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde).
“Many of the people in our northern New Mexico communities have deep connections to their land that goes back centuries,” said Representative Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe). “These families need this Recovery Fund to continue their historic role as stewards of these lands for many more generations to come.”
The bill is sponsored by Senators Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas) and Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics (D-Cerrillos) and Reps. Castellano, Sanchez, and Lujan.
Because it has an emergency clause, Senate Bill 6 would go into effect 60 days after being signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
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