Internal reports, emails, audits and interviews show relief aid for New Mexico communities affected by fires and flooding was slowed by dysfunction within the state Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports a review of records shows the agency was overwhelmed by even relatively modest requests for relief.
Officials in San Miguel County say it took nearly a year after torrential rains forced a disaster declaration that the department came out to assess the damage from 2013. Heavy rain in September then caused more damage.
Gov. Susana Martinez's office is defending the agency. Spokesman Michael Lonergan says the department has leveraged resources from across the state and worked with federal officials to ensure projects were done quickly and correctly.
The governor recently appointed M. Jay Mitchell to take over the agency.
Information from: Santa Fe New Mexican.
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