New Mexico governor allocates $1 million for flood relief in Roswell following emergency declaration

SANTA FE, NM (KFOX14/CBS4) — Following flooding in and around Roswell, New Mexico's governor signed an emergency declaration Monday releasing $1 million in state funding for flood relief efforts.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she has declared Chaves County a state of emergency and directed the state Treasury Department to provide $750,000 to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and $250,000 to the state National Guard, as the region continues to support disaster relief initiatives following the torrential flooding that began on Saturday.

“My declaration of a state of emergency for Chaves County will help support local recovery efforts following the historic and severe flooding in and around Roswell,” said Lujan Grisham. “I am grateful for the quick actions of local authorities and our state agencies to help communities in need. My administration is on site and will continue to actively support the relief efforts.”

RELATED:2 dead, over 300 rescued as record rainfall floods Roswell

Lujan Grisham said she has been in Roswell since Monday morning and will receive updates from state and local officials throughout the day.

Roswell officials confirmed Sunday that two people died following the record rainfall.

According to the New Mexico National Guard, 309 people were rescued, 38 of whom were taken to hospitals for treatment of unknown injuries.

RELATED:Las Cruces emergency crews are responding to weekend flooding in Roswell

Meanwhile, the Las Cruces Fire Department said it sent a five-member Swift Water Rescue Team and a two-member EMS team to Roswell on Sunday to assist with relief efforts.

Both teams are expected to return to Las Cruces no later than Tuesday.

Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue, based in Las Cruces, also sent a team to Roswell.

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