New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Requests SBA Disaster Declaration for Torrance County

Request follows Trigo Fire damage assessment by team of federal, state, and local officials

May 13, 2008 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today formally requested a disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Torrance County as a result of severe damage caused by the Trigo Fire.

Article continues below...

Trigo wildfire, New Mexico: Photo by Kit_Z (CC)

An SBA declaration of disaster would give residents who lost homes, businesses, or property in the fire the opportunity to apply for low interest loans with flexible repayment terms.

“The fire has devastated this small rural community and in a number of cases people have lost everything,” said Governor Richardson. “This is one way we can help some of the residents get back on their feet and begin to rebuild their homes and their lives."

The request follows last week’s assessment of fire damage by a joint team of federal, state, and local emergency management officials.

“At Governor Richardson’s direction we have been working to obtain whatever federal relief is possible for those most impacted by the Trigo Fire,” said New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Tim Manning.

“An SBA disaster declaration is an important opportunity for assistance that can help the recovery process move forward."

Source: New Mexico Governor