San Juan County, New Mexico, is calling on President Trump to sign a major disaster declaration following record‑breaking floods that devastated the region in early November. County Manager Mike Stark said the community has suffered extensive damage, with 833 properties impacted, 308 suffering major damage and 71 completely destroyed.
Local impact and immediate needs
The floodwaters surged past historic levels, with the river in Farmington exceeding the 1911 record and water near Shiprock reaching 21 feet. Homes were swept away, roads were washed out, and essential public infrastructure was crippled. County officials estimate the losses at roughly $8 million and stress that many residents have lost everything.
“We have citizens that have nothing. They’ve lost everything, and our community is hurting. Our community really needs to have this disaster declaration approved,” Stark told reporters.
Federal assistance pending
While a federal emergency declaration has already been issued, the county is still awaiting the President’s approval of a major disaster declaration. Such a declaration would unlock individual assistance for flood victims and provide critical funding to repair damaged roads, bridges, and public facilities.
FEMA representatives have been on the ground assessing damage, but county leaders note that direct financial aid has not yet been distributed. “Obviously, if we don’t get the individual assistance, folks won’t be able to recover,” Stark added.
County actions to support recovery
In the meantime, San Juan County commissioners have taken steps to ease the burden on homeowners. They have waived building‑permit fees for qualifying flood repairs through the end of 2027, and a state‑funded debris‑removal program is already underway.
Residents are being asked to separate flood‑damaged materials into designated piles at the curb for collection, including construction debris, appliances, and yard waste. The county expects the full recovery effort to take up to two years, and officials say prompt federal assistance could dramatically accelerate rebuilding.
Why the Trump administration’s support matters
President Trump’s administration has emphasized rapid disaster response and streamlined aid delivery for communities hit by natural catastrophes. By approving the major disaster declaration, the administration would demonstrate its commitment to helping families and preserving the economic stability of rural America, aligning with the values of faith, family, and individual liberty that underpin our nation.
Local leaders remain hopeful that President Trump will act swiftly, allowing San Juan County residents to begin rebuilding their homes, restoring vital infrastructure, and returning to normal life as soon as possible.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
