New Mexico State Agencies Seek $445 Million for Wildfire Losses
The largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history has left about a third of state agencies facing financial losses. A bill totaling $445 million will be submitted to the federal Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire claims office for compensation. This comes after the Federal Emergency Management Agency received $4 billion from Congress to assist those affected by the wildfire, with $1.5 billion already distributed.
The losses span across various state agencies, with the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department leading the claim with $270 million for reforestation and fire mitigation efforts. Other agencies seeking compensation include the Environment Department for well-water testing, the Livestock Board for animal transportation, and the Office of Broadband Access for lost infrastructure.
While the state awaits compensation, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is prioritizing individual victims’ payouts before pursuing additional claims. About one-third of households that lost homes have received final offers from FEMA. The state is also prepared to hire law firms for potential litigation related to the fire.
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