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Floods

White House Denies Maryland's Request for Disaster Relief Funds After Devastating Floods

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

After heavy floods swept through Western Maryland in May, leaving over 200 homes damaged and forcing evacuations, Governor Wes Moore requested $15.8 million in disaster relief funds from FEMA. However, the White House denied the request, stating that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted. This decision comes as a surprise, given that Maryland's need met federal thresholds of $321,460 for Allegany County and $11,674,953 for the state. Despite this, the state's request for aid was denied without further explanation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The White House denied Maryland's request for $15.8 million in disaster relief funds after devastating floods in Western Maryland.
  • Maryland's need met federal thresholds of $321,460 for Allegany County and $11,674,953 for the state.
  • FEMA's formula for administering individual assistance aid may disadvantage applicants from states with high property-value figures, such as Maryland and Virginia.
  • The rejection rate for individual assistance applications nationally was about 38% between fiscal years 2020 and 2023.
  • West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan received disaster relief from President Trump, despite Maryland's request for aid being denied.
  • The denial of disaster relief funds has left communities in Western Maryland in need of support to repair public schools, roads, bridges, and homes damaged by the floods.

Statistics:

  • 38% of individual assistance applications nationally were rejected between fiscal years 2020 and 2023.
  • 45% of individual assistance applications were rejected in previous years.
  • $15.8 million was requested in disaster relief funds from FEMA.
  • $321,460 was the federal threshold for Allegany County.
  • $11,674,953 was the federal threshold for the state of Maryland.
  • 2,000 homes were damaged and 200 homes were left severely damaged in Westernport.
  • The floods forced evacuations in Allegany and Garrett counties.
  • Schoolchildren were ferried to safety by boat.

Sources:

  • "The Washington Post"
  • "The White House"
  • Government Accountability Office report (May)
  • Letter from a senior FEMA official
  • Statement from Governor Wes Moore
  • Joint statement from Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representative April McClain Delaney

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