Residents, businesses and local authorities in the Ruidoso region continue to struggle with the financial consequences of this summer’s wildfires and floods, politicians and experts told lawmakers on Tuesday.

The House Finance Committee met at the Inn of the Mountain Gods on Mescalero Apache land to hear from local leaders and experts on the impact of the two wildfires that ravaged Lincoln National Forest in June.

According to Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford, more than 900 homes were destroyed in the South Fork and Salt fires. In mid-July State officials reported According to FEMA, 856 homes were destroyed. Crawford said more than 258 homes were subsequently destroyed by flooding.

This figure includes both primary residences and second homes or holiday homes, but does not include outbuildings such as sheds on the same property. Official estimates suggest that about a third of the homes lost were primary residences.

“We don’t want to add another financial tragedy,” Crawford said. “In some ways, we’re already experiencing that.”

He pointed out that the revenues of businesses in the area must be maintained, not only for the benefit of the business owners, but also for the village itself, which earns money through taxes on gross receipts.

“Revenues have fallen by over 70% on average. In some cases they have fallen much more, in others less,” Crawford said.

Lawmakers were informed that the Inn of the Mountain Gods on the Mescalero Apache Reservation is the region’s largest employer and most important economic driver.

Another major source of revenue in the region is the Ruidoso Downs horse racing track and casino. General Manager Rick Baugh told lawmakers that the company has an annual payroll of $5.5 million and employs more than 500 people during peak season.

The race track was largely spared from fire damage, but flooding caused significant damage to the track, forcing the races to be canceled and relocated to Albuquerque.

“The gross receipts tax the racetrack pays annually averages about $720,000. We pay about $1.6 million in gaming tax and another $1.3 million in prize money to our owners and trainers,” Baugh said. “Our bridge was broken, which shut down our operations for about 25 days.”

As the colder months approach, officials fear Ski Apache, another revenue generator, will also suffer. Rep. Harlan Vincent (R-Ruidoso Downs) said the New Mexico Department of Transportation will soon begin rebuilding the road to the ski resort, but the department has little time since the snow season begins in November.

President Thora Walsh Padilla of the Mescalero Apache Tribe said the current focus is on restoring the economies of affected communities, but forest restoration is next.

“We have an opportunity to rebuild with respect for the river and understanding that every canyon drainage here is a periodic flow,” said Walsh Padilla. “Because we live in this landscape, we have to give the river its space and understand that floodplains are hydrologically important and ecologically productive areas.”