NOTICE
EMERGENCY MEETING
NOVEMBER 8, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Colfax County Board of Commissioners will hold an Emergency Meeting to rectify and take action on Resolution No.2024-43, which was adopted on November 8, 2024, at 10:05A.M. Via emergency meeting. The Resolution declares A State of Emergency due to snow and inclement weather Conditions affecting Colfax County.
Done on this 8th day of November 2024
Resolution No. 2024-43
A RESOLUTION DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO SNOW AND INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2024, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a statewide emergency in response to an ongoing winter storm that has significantly impacted the State of New Mexico, creating hazardous conditions across the state, including Colfax County; and
WHEREAS, the Governor’s declaration unlocks $1.5 million in state funding to support the coordinated response efforts, including emergency management, road clearing, and public safety operations, with a special focus on the New Mexico National Guard and emergency response resources; and
WHEREAS, the storm has resulted in hazardous weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, icy roads, and other dangerous elements that have impacted travel and safety across the region; and
WHEREAS, the severe weather has also posed a significant threat to livestock in the County, with extreme cold, heavy snow accumulation, and restricted access to food and shelter creating dangerous conditions for animals; and
WHEREAS, local emergency responders, including County Manager, Emergency Manager, Sheriff’s Department, fire services, public works, and other public safety agencies, have been working around the clock to assist stranded motorists, clear roads, and ensure public safety; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico State Police, the Department of Transportation, and the New Mexico National Guard have been supporting local emergency managers and public safety personnel in responding to the storm’s challenges, and are expected to continue to be engaged throughout the event; and
WHEREAS, the Colfax County Board of Commissioners recognizes the potential for continued severe weather and anticipates further impact to county residents, including the need for additional resources and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a swift response and recovery; and
WHEREAS, the County has provided public notification of this emergency through local communications channels, including the KRTN radio station, and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available; and
WHEREAS, Colfax County reserves the right to amend or modify this declaration of emergency as needed, or if required, at the next available regular meeting of the Colfax County Board of Commissioners; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Colfax County Board of Commissioners hereby declares a local state of emergency in response to the ongoing winter storm and the adverse impacts it is causing within the county, including hazardous weather conditions, stranded motorists, and threats to public safety and severe risks to livestock.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this declaration will enable the County to request state and federal resources as needed, access available emergency funding, and provide support to local emergency responders and public safety agencies working to protect the health and safety of residents and livestock.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed of local conditions, and follow the guidance of emergency management authorities. Warming center locations and winter weather safety information can be found at dhsem.nm.gov/severeweather.
This emergency declaration shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the threat has subsided and normal conditions can be restored.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF COLFAX COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
Si Trujillo, Chairman
Mary Lou Kern, Vice Chair
Bret Wier, Member
ATTEST:
County Clerk, Rayetta Trujillo
