New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Declares a Disaster in Rio Arriba County Due to Heavy Snow

Accumulated snow threatens structures and strands residents

February 4, 2008 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today declared Rio Arriba County a disaster area due to recent heavy snow that has blocked roads, threatened structures, and left residents stranded in their homes. The heaviest snow has been reported in the Chama and Tierra Amarilla areas.

“I want the residents of Rio Arriba County to know the state stands ready to provide all the necessary support to help them deal with these critical situation,” said Governor Richardson. “Emergency Management, State Police, and Department of Transportation resources will be available to cover any emergencies and to support local efforts to clear roads."

The Governor’s declaration makes available $750,000 in state disaster relief funds to cover the costs of crews to clear public roads, respond to emergencies, support public services and utilities, and related response efforts.

“This relief is essential to my constituents in Rio Arriba County,” said Speaker Ben Lujan. “I’m pleased that the state was able to act quickly to help these residents. When it comes to emergency relief there is no partisan debate- the Legislature joins the Governor in pledging to provide whatever is needed as quickly as possible."

New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) Director Tim Manning today activated the state’s emergency operations center to more closely monitor the situation in Rio Arriba County.

“This is a dangerous situation and I appreciate the Governor’s quick response to our request,” said Debbie Rodella, State Representative from Rio Arriba County. “I am working closely with the state to make sure our residents are safe."

Over the weekend, Department of Transportation cleared public roads, and a contractor was on site clearing private roads. Road clearing efforts are continuing today, although a number of rural roads in the Chama area remain blocked by snow. There have been no reports of injuries or life-threatening situations caused by inclement weather or impassable roads.

State Police and DHSEM officials advise residents to stay off roads in the area unless absolutely necessary. For immediate medical or life-threatening emergencies, residents should call 911. Otherwise residents are urged to call the County Emergency Management Office at 505-747-1941.

Full text of the executive order follows: EXECUTIVE ORDER 2008-005 DECLARING A DISASTER IN RIO ARRIBA COUNTY DUE TO A SNOWSTORM WHEREAS, the County of Rio Arriba has been impacted by a snowstorm beginning on February 1, 2008, and continuing to this day, causing significant damage to public infrastructure and private property; WHEREAS, the County of Rio Arriba has issued or intends to issue a Disaster Resolution declaring disaster conditions within its jurisdiction, stating that they have taken all actions within their power to limit the extent of damage and provide for public health and safety; WHEREAS, additional impacts and damage are known to have occurred to state infrastructure and to other jurisdictions and municipalities within the County of Rio Arriba; WHEREAS, the County of Rio Arriba has requested the State to provide them and any other recipients within their jurisdiction whatever disaster assistance funding and technical expertise may be available; WHEREAS, this disaster requires emergency action to protect the peace, health, and safety and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of New Mexico; and WHEREAS, this disaster is of such magnitude as to be beyond local control and requires the resources of the State to avoid or minimize economic or physical harm and to take action necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby declare a state of Disaster to exist in Rio Arriba County due to the damages related to the snowstorm cited above.

I DIRECT the Department of Finance and Administration to make available emergency financial resources to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in an amount not to exceed $750,000 in accordance with NMSA 1978, Sections 12-11-23 through 12-11-25. The funds shall be expended to avoid and minimize economic or physical harm and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and shall be paid out only in an amount specified by warrants drawn by the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration upon vouchers approved by the Governor or the Governor’s designee.

I FURTHER DIRECT the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to coordinate all requests for assistance and responses to such requests under the authority of and as determined by the Governor and his Authorized Representative and to request such aid and assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as may be appropriate.

I FURTHER DIRECT all Cabinet Departments and agencies of the State of New Mexico to provide any assistance that may be required by the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management or by the State Emergency Operations Center under the authority of the Governor’s Authorized Representative.

THIS ORDER supersedes any other previous orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as the Governor rescinds it.

ATTEST: DONE AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE THIS 4TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2008.

MARY HERRERA WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT SECRETARY OF STATE SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO

BILL RICHARDSON

GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO

Source: New Mexico Governor

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