Moore appeals Western Maryland disaster declaration denial
The Federal Emergency Management Agency in a July 22 letter rejected Maryland's request for the assistance.
Since the president's denial, FEMA validated an additional $17.9 million in damages, raising total estimated damages to $33.7 million, which is 'nearly three times the state's federal threshold for assistance,' according to the governor's office.
'Maryland has met long-standing criteria for FEMA support in the wake of historic floods across Mountain Maryland,' Moore said via press release.
'This appeal isn't simply justified, it's necessary,' he said. 'I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Marylanders in Allegany and Garrett counties, who are still recovering from an unthinkable catastrophe. They are calling on us to support them in this hour of need, and that's exactly what we will continue to do.'
In the days following the flood, Allegany and Garrett counties conducted joint preliminary damage assessments in coordination with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and FEMA, the release said.
Maryland requested the president issue a major disaster declaration and public assistance funding after meeting the FEMA- established assistance thresholds, and 'the intensive process validated damages' to critical and public infrastructure eligible for public assistance funding.
'Historically, if the joint damage assessment process demonstrates eligible costs over and above the county and state indicator, disaster assistance has been awarded by the president,' the release stated, adding that Allegany County's threshold for FEMA public assistance is $321,460 and Maryland's is $11,674,953.
MDEM Secretary Russell Strickland said the department has worked closely with Allegany and Garrett counties to document flood-related damages.
'We will continue to pursue all possible assistance for the impacted communities to support their recovery,' he said via the release.
In June, Moore announced the first-ever use of the State Disaster Recovery Fund that provided $459,375 to support people impacted by the flood.
In July, the governor announced an additional $1 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds for families in Garrett and Allegany counties.
FEMA public assistance is only available through a major disaster declaration issued by the president, according to Moore's office.
The program would provide funding for Garrett and Allegany counties for repair of critical and public infrastructure such as public water and sewage systems, roads and bridges.
Maryland also requested access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program that provides funding to reduce risk of impacts from similar events in the future.
Some local public officials commented on the situation via the press release.
Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton asked FEMA to reconsider its decision and provide necessary aid 'that the residents of Westernport and neighboring towns need to fully recover from the devastating floods of May 2025,' she said.
State Sen. Mike McKay said Maryland's appeal of the FEMA denial concerning the George's Creek Flood 'marks an important milestone' for Allegany County.
'Working hand-in-glove with Governor Moore's emergency management team, the process has been seamless and focused on delivering results for our community,' he said.
Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale said the county lacks financial capacity to absorb the full cost of disaster recovery.
'Without federal aid, essential systems will remain at risk,' he said.
'This is not simply a matter of convenience,' Caporale said. 'These are lifelines for public safety, commerce, and the daily functioning of our community.'
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