New Mexico Governor Estimates Flood Repair Costs at $300 Million

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham estimates that repairing flood damage in New Mexico could cost between $200 million and $300 million. The figure includes infrastructure, roads, and environmental cleanup costs across the state. This assessment comes as the federal government partially grants New Mexico's request for an emergency declaration. The governor signed executive orders on Monday to release $8.25 million in additional state funding for the response.

The San Juan River in Farmington, New Mexico, expanded to 14 feet high by Friday. National Weather Service data indicates the river grew 13 times larger in 36 hours late last week. Water levels in the city may have set a new record. The surge overwhelmed defenses despite Navajo Reservoir holding back much of the upstream flow. Two normally dry tributaries, Gobernador Canyon and Cañon Largo, delivered floodwaters directly into the city center.

Local officials report that fire crews, police, National Guard troops, and swift water teams rescued between 200 and 300 residents in San Juan County. Devon Neeley, the county's public information officer, described the event as a catastrophic flood of historic proportions. Rescue operations included helicopter lifts from rooftops and the use of amphibious vehicles. Neeley stated that the river became wider than residents had ever seen in their lifetimes.

The storm affected the Four Corners region, including Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. In South Fork, Colorado, fire captain Tyler Schmidt reported that several neighborhoods sat under two to three feet of water. Responders in the area are currently lifting evacuation orders and testing well water in the San Luis Valley. Sedona, Arizona, experienced sewage spills from flooded treatment plants, while extensive damage was reported on the Hopi and Navajo reservations.

Farmington, a hub for energy production and the Navajo Nation, received evacuation notices as early as Wednesday night. Connie Gooch, a resident of over 65 years, said her sister had no time to build sandbag barriers due to the rapid rise in water. By Sunday, residents began returning to assess damage, finding four feet of water in some homes. Gooch observed neighbors hauling out furniture and debris, including sheet rock and damaged vehicles. Fire Chief David Vega urged the public to remain out of the water to avoid hazards such as raw sewage, gas lines, and live power.