In a recent press release, the U.S. Department of Labor announced an initial award of $800,000 in emergency dislocated worker grant funding to aid in cleanup and recovery efforts following the devastating South Fork and Salt forest fires in New Mexico’s Otero County. The fires, which ignited on June 17, 2024, have rapidly consumed over 25,000 acres of mountain forest land, destroying approximately 1,400 structures and 500 homes across Lincoln and Otero counties, as well as on the Mescalero Tribe Reservation.
Following the swift spread of the fires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a major disaster declaration on June 20, 2024. This declaration allowed the state of New Mexico to request federal assistance for recovery operations in the impacted regions.
The National Dislocated Worker Grant, which could total up to $2 million, empowers the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to offer temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery. The grant, supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, also facilitates training and services for individuals within the affected communities.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration oversees these Dislocated Worker Grants, which are designed to enhance the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at both state and local levels. These grants provide critical funding assistance in response to large-scale, unexpected economic events that lead to significant job losses.
This emergency funding will play a crucial role in helping New Mexico’s affected communities recover from the severe damage caused by the forest fires. The support will not only aid in physical cleanup efforts but also provide vital resources and training to help individuals rebuild their lives and regain employment.