Doña Ana County approves local disaster declaration after flooding triggers $17 million in damages
DOÑA ANA COUNTY, N.M. (KVIA) — After severe flooding, Doña Ana County leaders unanimously approved a local emergency disaster declaration Tuesday. The declaration aims to fast-track relief, unlock emergency funding and streamline the recovery process for residents.
Preliminary damage estimates across the county and surrounding jurisdictions have already topped $17 million, a figure officials expect to rise as floodwaters continue to recede and assessments progress.
Emergency Manager Amanda Bowen briefed commissioners on the extent of the storm's toll, noting that while the southern part of the county was hit hardest initially, subsequent rainfall hammered northern areas, leaving virtually no corner of Doña Ana County untouched.
Some areas received 5-8 inches of rain over a short window. Some regions logged more than 8 inches within the last 30 days.
Despite widespread property damage and access issues, Bowen said the immediate life safety threat has passed, largely due to proactive evacuations and the performance of regional flood control systems.
While local drainage infrastructure reached, exceeded, and overtopped capacity, officials emphasized that the structures prevented a worse disaster.
"We didn't fail," said Commissioner Manuel Sanchez. Sanchez pointed out the sheer rarity of the weather patterns. "We're not planning to have two 100-year events back-to-back."
The emergency declaration opens up critical operational flexibility, allows the county to utilize emergency reserves, eases permitting requirements for residents trying to rebuild and positions local governments for state and federal reimbursement.
Bowen presented a preliminary tally of damage costs accumulated so far across local entities:
- Doña Ana County Flood Commission: $1,250,000
- Doña Ana County Roads: $561,000
- Doña Ana County Utilities: $21,000
- Animal Control: $2,000
- Elephant Butte: $9,000,000
- City of Las Cruces: $2,200,000
- CRRUA (Camino Real Regional Utility Authority): $1,100,000
- Caballo Soil & Water Conservation District: $1,000,000
- City of Anthony: $15,000
Officials noted that the county still retains $199,000 from previous disaster relief balances to support initial operations.
Residents can submit descriptions and photo documentation online through the Crisis Track system. For those without internet access, calling 2-1-1 will connect residents with an operator who can complete the intake over the phone.
The county is also seeking funding for Disaster Case Managers, providing each affected household with a single point of contact to navigate relief options. Unmet needs will be escalated to a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) and partner agencies.
Addressing communication accessibility, District 4 Commissioner Susana Chaparro emphasized the need for inclusive outreach, advocating for bilingual, Spanish-speaking case managers to ensure residents without smart devices or English fluency aren't left behind.
During public comment, local residents voiced frustration over aging infrastructure, unmaintained arroyos and damaged private access routes that currently leave homes with exposed gas and water lines.
One resident urged officials to address long-term river maintenance and route repairs so that roughly 400 local students missing school due to washed-out roads can safely return to class. Community members also noted that neighboring areas like Socorro are actively responding to ongoing flood impacts.
County officials are moving swiftly to finalize signatures and formally petition the state government to issue a state-level emergency declaration, paving the way for additional resources to repair and replace suffering infrastructure.
