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Floods

Maryland Seeks Reconsideration of FEMA Disaster Aid Denial

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

State leaders, including Governor Wes Moore, plan to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) denial of disaster assistance for Western Maryland communities devastated by flooding in May. The denial, which came without explanation, is striking given President Donald Trump's recent approval of $11.7 million in disaster assistance for areas of West Virginia hit by flooding and tornadoes in June. The state's request, which estimated over $90 million in damages, was submitted in response to severe flooding that caused millions in damages to homes, businesses, roads, and bridges in Allegany and Garrett counties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state of Maryland plans to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) denial of disaster assistance for Western Maryland communities affected by flooding in May.
  • The denial came without explanation, despite the state's initial request estimating over $90 million in damages and meeting FEMA's assistance criteria.
  • Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and filed for federal disaster assistance following the flooding, which caused millions in damages to over 200 homes, numerous businesses, roads, and bridges.
  • Maryland Senators Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, and 6th District Representative April McClain Delaney have called for a reconsideration of the initial denial of aid.
  • Allegany County, one of the poorest in the state, is particularly hard hit by the denial, with residents and businesses in need of additional support to recover from the disaster.
  • The state has provided direct aid to residents and businesses through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Statistics:

  • Estimated damages to Western Maryland communities: over $90 million
  • Initial damage estimate: $80 million
  • Reduced damage estimate after joint assessment process: $15.8 million
  • FEMA's threshold for assistance: $321,460 (Allegany County) and $11.7 million (Maryland)
  • Maryland's disaster recovery fund allocation: nearly $460,000 to Allegany County and $1 million to Allegany and Garrett counties

Sources:

  • Governor Wes Moore, "Statement on Denial of Federal Disaster Assistance for Western Maryland" (published on governor.maryland.gov)
  • Maryland Matters, "Maryland, 19 Other States Sue to Block Trump from Dismantling Disaster Preparation Program" (published on marylandmatters.org)
  • Sen. Mike McKay's statements (published on various news outlets)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ( referenced in the article, but exact source not specified)

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