State Rep. Walt Blackman formally requested the declaration last Wednesday. The Navajo County Board of Supervisors had also declared a local emergency, a step intended to help the county qualify for any state funds that might become available. County Chairman Daryl Seymour said the damage estimate stood at about $20,000.

The denial does not mean state agencies have stopped responding. Hobbs’ office said the state Department of Emergency and Military Affairs activated the State Emergency Operations Center at Level 1 and placed staff with emergency managers in Navajo and Greenlee counties. State agencies have also coordinated with the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Forestry and Fire Management on resident wellness checks and damage assessments.

A state emergency declaration would not, by itself, provide direct payments to homeowners. Roni Fraser, an Arizona State University assistant professor of emergency management, said such a declaration would create an opportunity for public assistance, such as support for roads. Individual assistance for residents would require a federal disaster declaration through FEMA.

Seymour said the county does not plan to seek a federal declaration, citing the condition of public facilities. “Our roads are fine. Our infrastructure is fine. Our schools are fine. Our public buildings are fine,” he said.

Hobbs’ press secretary said the governor was grateful to first responders and that state agencies were working with local officials to support recovery. Residents have been clearing debris, with one community member estimating that some cleanup could take about six months.

The state’s decision leaves the recovery effort centered on county and community resources, even as cleanup continues. Fraser said the denial indicates state officials did not find enough unmet needs to justify the requested declaration.