WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that five New Mexico counties that suffered losses due to severe weather earlier this year will receive a total of $355,313 in federal disaster aid. Bingaman announced in September that FEMA had issued a major disaster declaration for the State of New Mexico due to severe storms and flooding that occurred July 25 to August 9, 2010.

The counties of Cibola, McKinley, Mora, San Juan, and Socorro, which shared a majority of the damage associated with the severe weather, will share funding under FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program. PA provides supplemental financial assistance to states, its agencies, local and tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

"Severe weather can wreak havoc and its cleanup can be costly, especially for small communities. This funding will help cover some of the cost incurred by the state and other agencies and organizations," Bingaman said. FEMA dollars are awarded to New Mexico communities through a cost-sharing partnership.

FEMA reimburses applicants 75 percent of their eligible costs; the state and applicants share the remaining 25 percent.

FEMA obligates federal PA funds directly to the state, which disburses the money to the local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.