Trump Admin Refuses Disaster Aid After Western Maryland Floods

Federal Disaster Assistance Denied for Western Maryland

The Trump administration has denied a request for disaster assistance following severe flooding in Western Maryland. The decision came after heavy rains caused the Georges Creek to reach near-record levels, turning streets in the city of Westernport into raging rivers. A letter from FEMA to Governor Wes Moore stated that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted, leading to the rejection of the major disaster declaration.

Governor Wes Moore expressed disappointment with the decision and announced that the state will appeal FEMA's ruling. In a statement, Moore emphasized the need for all available resources to support recovery efforts in the affected areas. He explained that he had requested federal disaster assistance for Allegany and Garrett counties on June 13, following a thorough assessment of damage costs, community impact, and site visits to secure federal support as quickly as possible.

According to Moore, the coordinated assessment process involving FEMA, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, and local officials estimated over $15.8 million in emergency response costs and infrastructure damage. This includes more than 200 homes, numerous businesses, roads and bridges, railroads, sewer systems, drinking water, and public utilities. These estimates exceed the thresholds for disaster assistance set by FEMA. Historically, if the joint damage assessment process demonstrates eligible costs over and beyond the county and state indicators, disaster assistance has been awarded by the President.

Allegany County's threshold for FEMA Public Assistance is $321,460, while Maryland's threshold is $11,674,953. Despite these figures, the administration has refused to provide federal aid. In response, the State of Maryland has taken immediate action to make funding available directly to residents and businesses. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management awarded Allegany County $459,375 from the State Disaster Recovery Fund on June 10. An additional $1 million was made available to Allegany and Garrett counties through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Moore reiterated his commitment to supporting the communities in Western Maryland as they work to rebuild from the damage caused in May. He stressed that the state will continue to stand with its citizens during this challenging time.

Calls for Reconsideration from Local Leaders

In a joint statement, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen, along with U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney, echoed Governor Moore’s concerns. They highlighted the significant impact of the May storms on Allegany and Garrett Counties, emphasizing the ongoing needs for repairs to public schools, libraries, roads, bridges, and homes and businesses.

“These two rural Maryland counties were hard-hit by historically intense storms,” the statement read. “Even though the cost of the damage exceeds the threshold for federal assistance, the Administration is refusing to come to their aid. We strongly urge the President to reconsider this decision and deliver federal resources to Allegany and Garrett Counties so they are not forced to shoulder the burden of recovery on their own.”

Ongoing Efforts and Community Response

As the communities in Western Maryland continue to recover, local leaders and organizations are working tirelessly to provide support. The state has already allocated funds to assist those affected, but many residents and business owners are still struggling with the aftermath of the floods.

The situation underscores the importance of federal support in times of crisis. While state resources have been mobilized, the lack of federal assistance has left many feeling unsupported. Community members and local leaders are urging continued advocacy for the affected areas, hoping for a reversal of the administration’s decision.

Conclusion

The denial of federal disaster assistance has sparked concern among residents and officials in Western Maryland. As the region continues to deal with the aftermath of the floods, the need for comprehensive support remains urgent. The call for federal intervention reflects the broader challenges faced by communities impacted by natural disasters, highlighting the critical role of government in providing relief and recovery resources.