Bush Administration Agrees To Disaster Aid For Hatch

HATCH, N.M. (AP) – The Bush administration agreed today that a major disaster exists in New Mexico’s Dona Ana County because of flooding.

The presidential declaration makes federal funds available to people affected by the floods.

The state sought the declaration for the southern New Mexico area — particularly Hatch.

The village flooded earlier this month when the sides of a major ditch breached, sending water rushing into the center of Hatch. The area also saw some lesser flooding earlier this week.

Federal assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-08-30-06 1752EDT