Drought Impact on Our Economy
Information from the "World Health Organization"
Drought leads to water and food shortages and is likely to have a long-term environmental, economic and health impact on the population.
- Demographic pressure on the environment;
- Food insecurity;
- Economic systems strictly dependent on agriculture;
- Poor infrastructure e.g. irrigation and water supply and sanitation systems;
- Poor health status of the population before the disaster;
- Time of the year, with the most critical period being before the harvest;
- Absence of warning systems;
- Population displacement;
- Other concurrent situations: economic crisis, political instability, armed conflict.
Emergency Assistance
New Mexico Water Emergency Hot line 1-877-275-6632
Disaster Assistance from SBA.gov
Small, nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size that were affected by the 2012 Drought season, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. For additional information, please visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website.
N.M. Businesses Eligible for Drought-Impact Loans - The SBA is making the loans available to businesses in New Mexico’s Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, McKinley, Sandoval, Socorro and Valencia counties, and Apache County in Arizona.
The loans will not cover actual property damage. Rather, they’re based on the financial impact to businesses that are dependent on farmers and ranchers.
Small agricultural cooperatives and aquaculture businesses, as well as most private, nonprofit organizations are eligible.
Grant Applications
The following web sites provide links to grant funding opportunities.
Please note that the grant application process varies by organization and may require matching funding.
National Forest Foundation: Grant Programs provides a suite of grant programs supporting place-based organizations to accomplish on-the-ground conservation work and build internal capacity, in order to increase the impact and benefits to their community, environment and economy. This "Continuum of Assistance" is designed to assist communities, through grants and technical assistance, to launch and grow collaborative efforts engaging their local stakeholders in the stewardship of our National Forests and Grasslands.
Grants.gov is a source to find and apply for federal grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Financing for Environmental Compliance Water Grant Resources provides links to grant funding opportunities. Please note that the grant application process varies by organization and may require matching funding. Information specifically for water infrastructure grants is available for tribes and small communities.
Drought Assistance Federal Grants provides links to 41 Drought Assistance federal grants, government grants and loans. For detailed information on a Drought Assistance federal grant including eligibility requirements or financial information, visit the Federal Grants Wire website.
Additional Resources and Links
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund - (DWSRLF) provides low-cost financial assistance to water systems to finance the cost of repair and replacement of drinking water infrastructure, ensure compliance with drinking water regulations, and protect drinking water quality and public health. The DWSRLF is co-administered by the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) and the New Mexico Environment Department Drinking Water Bureau (DWB).
The United States Department of Agriculture provides resources and information related to drought from across the Government. USDA and other federal agencies are taking steps to help farmers, ranchers, and small businesses wrestling with persistent drought.
The Farm Service Agency provides assistance for natural disaster losses, resulting from drought, flood, fire, freeze, tornadoes, pest infestation, and other calamities.
Information for Well Owners - Safe Drinking Water During a Drought is a brochure provided by the New Mexico Department of Health and New Mexico Environment Department.
Tax Provisions for Drought Areas provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
