New Mexico Flood Costs Expected to Reach $300 Million

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham estimates that flood damage to infrastructure alone in San Juan County could cost between $200 and $300 million. The governor made the assessment on Monday after visiting the region, which was struck by historic flooding late last week. Officials are currently working to quantify the full extent of the destruction across the state.

The San Juan River in Farmington grew 13 times larger in 36 hours, according to National Weather Service data. Water levels rose from 3.5 feet in the early hours of Thursday to 14 feet by Friday. This rapid surge flooded neighborhoods across the city of about 46,000 residents and may set a record for the highest water ever recorded there. The floodwaters originated in the San Juan mountains of Colorado and moved downstream past the Navajo Reservoir.

Devon Neeley, the public information officer for San Juan County, described the event as a catastrophic flood of historic proportions. He noted that the river became wider than residents had seen in their lifetimes. Rescue teams from the fire department, police, National Guard, and out-of-state swift water units saved between 200 and 300 county residents during the crisis. Crews used helicopters to pull people off rooftops and amphibious vehicles to navigate the deep water.

The storm also affected neighboring states, with substantial flooding reported in parts of Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. In South Fork, Colorado, Captain Tyler Schmidt of the fire and rescue team said several neighborhoods were under two to three feet of water. In Arizona, sewage spills from flooded treatment plants in Sedona have impacted drinking water. The Hopi and Navajo reservations in the region also reported rescues, washed out roads, and extensive damage.

By Sunday, the rain had stopped and river levels began to fall, allowing some residents to return home to assess damage. Connie Gooch, a Farmington resident of more than 65 years, visited her sister's house near the river. She found four feet of water inside the home. Gooch delivered tarps and observed neighbors moving furniture outside and piling demolition debris in yards. She described a scene filled with trucks and cars as residents carried out damaged drywall.

Despite the receding waters, officials advise evacuated residents to remain outside their homes for now. San Juan County Fire Chief David Vega warned that while the swift water danger has passed, new hazards have emerged. These include raw sewage, damaged gas lines, and live power lines. Vega urged the public to avoid contact with the floodwater, which he said is not healthy due to contaminants like diesel and pesticides.

Governor Lujan Grisham signed executive orders on Monday to make an additional $8.25 million in state funding available for flood response. She also announced that the federal government has partially granted New Mexico's request for an emergency declaration. The state manager for San Juan County, Mike Stark, provided the initial cost estimates to the governor, noting that environmental and road repair issues are driving the high price tag.