Richardson Tours Flood-Damaged Areas

HATCH, N.M. (AP) – Governor Richardson toured the water-logged Hatch Valley today, and he says he’ll continue pressing the federal government to grant a request for a presidential disaster declaration.

The governor says he personally plans to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the White House to seek the disaster declaration for Hatch.

Richardson says he saw destroyed homes, severe water damage and piles of mud debris while on the tour.

More than 400 homes in the village were affected by last week’s flooding. The governor already has sent a letter to President Bush requesting the declaration.

If granted, it would make all qualified home owners, business owners and renters in Dona Ana County eligible for federal assistance.

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

AP-NY-08-22-06 1736EDT