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NMDWS applies for “Lost Wages Assistance” funds

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(Albuquerque, NM) – Today, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payments to New Mexicans receiving Unemployment benefits. U.S. Department of Labor guidance allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by NMDWS to count as 25% matching funds for the program. 

“Politics don’t matter in a crisis; my focus and our state’s focus has been and will continue to be delivering resources to New Mexicans in need,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “I maintain that a Congressional aid package is needed to bolster unemployment funds for New Mexicans, but we will take every opportunity to help families and workers throughout this pandemic.”

“Governor Lujan Grisham is asking all of us to work together and find any resources to help New Mexicans through this tough time,” said Bill McCamley, Secretary of the New Mexico Workforce Solutions Department. “Though it is unclear at this time when funding will become available, or how much funding is available, the Department will work hard to distribute funds to New Mexicans as quickly as possible. Our friends and neighbors need resources to pay for rent, utilities, food, childcare, and many other services and we will get as much money as possible into their pockets.”

NMDWS looks forward to receiving a response from FEMA to begin planning and implementing the distribution of additional funds quickly to New Mexicans who need it. There is no need for claimants to contact NMDWS at this time. We will announce more information once it becomes available.   

News release provided by NMDWS.

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DRMP to start treatment of Siberian Elm

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This week, the Division of Resource Management and Protection will start work to remove the non-native Siberian elm from spring areas in the main village of Mescalero.  Siberian elm is native to many places in the eastern US, but here in Mescalero, the elm invades areas along the Tularosa Creek.  The elms grow very aggressively, spreading through underground sprouts.  They often replace native riparian species, such as willows, cattails and cottonwood, and can reduce the function of these riparian ecosystems to buffer the effects of flooding.  The elms also use up precious groundwater and get into our domestic water distribution lines, creating havoc with our drinking water supply.

Siberian Elm

We intend to treat the Tularosa Creek drainage in phases, totaling approximately 800 acres.  In this phase, we will treat approximately 35 acres, focusing on improving and protecting spring flow in and around the Fish Hatchery and the numerous springs in this area.  We do not intend to remove any elms from people’s yards at this time.  We will apply for additional funding in the coming years to treat the elms in the Rodeo Grounds and Agency area, as well as Old Road.

DRMP Thinning Crew members will be working in and around the Fish Hatchery and North Springs areas, using chainsaws to cut the trees, and following with an herbicide treatment to prevent re-sprouting of the elm.  All work will be conducted in accordance with the “BIA Mescalero Noxious Weed Management Plan, 2016-2026”.  The herbicide to be used has been approved for use along waterways, and all applicable safety precautions will be observed.  Several DRMP staff members have also obtained the necessary training and Applicator Certifications for the use of herbicides.  The cut stems will be hauled to the C-Side Transfer Station, for future burning in the Air Curtain Destructor installed there.

Please use caution when driving and walking in these areas.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call DRMP at (575) 464-4711.

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