Getting a clearer picture of the damage caused by historic wildfires near Ruidoso this summer, local business and government leaders gave lawmakers an earful on Wednesday. “Getting tourists back will ensure our local economy is sustainable for the near future and beyond,

Several leaders said they'd like to see the logging industry return to the area in force, and a local sawmill to reopen.

Hurricane Dolly made landfall in South Texas, the remnants of which caused a river in Ruidoso to rise far above its banks, culminating in a powerful flood that killed one man, stranded hundreds and destroyed nine bridges.

Though the flames may be out from this summer's Salt and South Fork wildfires in southern New Mexico, damage to property and the local economy remain. During a legislative committee meeting Wednesday,