Rep. Vasquez Leads Effort with State and Local Officials to Push for Federal Coordination in Response to Recent Flooding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 8, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a delegation of federal, state, and local leaders in a letter to federal agencies urging them to tour the damage and provide all available resources to those affected by the recent flooding across southern New Mexico.

The letter asks the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to visit affected communities, work with local leaders, and provide assistance to homes, communities, farms and businesses impacted by the flooding. 

“It is imperative that your agencies act now to cut red tape, reduce bureaucratic barriers, increase communication and responsiveness, and act as a partner in this recovery,” wrote Vasquez. “Due to the nature of this area, the complex patchwork of federal land, critical agricultural areas, and proximity to the border, this response will require your agencies to work hand-in-hand with state, county, and local leaders on both short-term recovery and long-term mitigation efforts.” 

The letter is joined by State Senator Jeff Steinborn, State Representative Nathan P. Small, Hatch Mayor Dennis Torres, and Caballo Soil and Water Conservation District Chairman Harvey Morrow. 

On October 4th, Rep. Vasquez hosted a meeting in Doña Ana County with local elected officials and visited families and farms impacted by the recent flooding. He visited Hatch, the McLeod/Garfield Dam, and surrounding areas to assess the impact of the flooding and what the community needed for recovery firsthand. During this visit, Rep. Vasquez also discussed Hatch’s immediate recovery needs, available state and federal resources, and opportunities for continued coordination to support the community’s recovery and infrastructure needs. 

Read the full letter HERE.

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