Latest news with #AprilMcClainDelaney
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Delaney requests $41 million for 6th District
CUMBERLAND — U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney announced last week that she has requested over $41 million of federal funds for local investments in Maryland's 6th Congressional district for the next fiscal year. Out of the 15 Community Project Funding requests made, seven would support a wide range of efforts in Allegany and Garrett counties, allocating over $7 million in Allegany County and over $8 million in Garrett County, according to a press release. 'I know how important it is to work hand-in-hand with local leaders to achieve real results,' McClain Delaney said in the announc ement. 'Since taking office in January, I've engaged with state and community officials to identify projects that will make the biggest difference and support those who need it most.' Many of the projects would restore water infrastructure, like replacing the water filtration system in Cumberland, which will cost $2 million. 'The existing plant is reaching the end of its useful life and is incapable of addressing emerging contaminants,' Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said. 'This grant will allow the city to begin design work on a new Water Filtration Building that will utilize state-of-the-art membrane filtration, which is capable of removing disinfection byproducts as well as emerging contaminants.' About $1.3 million of improvements to Lonaconing's water lines were included in the requests as well. 'This investment in our Western Maryland community will aid in improving the quality of life by ensuring reliable access to clean and safe drinking water for our residents and providing peace of mind by reducing concerns about water quality or potential service disruptions,' Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn said. About $6.2 million would go toward other infrastructure projects in the two counties, including improvements on Oakland's water system, a sidewalk and crosswalk safety project in Grantsville and replacing a Potomac Fire Company No. 2 engine. 'Upgrading our aging water and sewer infrastructure will not only improve service reliability and water quality but also help prevent future system failures and environmental hazards,' Oakland Mayor Andrew Sauder said. 'This project is a critical step toward ensuring a sustainable and secure future for Oakland residents.' Among the requests, a $3 million expansion of the radiology and oncology department in Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland focuses on the expansion of medical resources. 'This funding, which supports the design and engineering phase of adding radiation oncology to our Cancer Center, means we will largely eliminate the need for cancer patients to travel to receive the care they need,' Mark Boucot, the chief executive of the center, said. Another project would contribute to educational resources, spending about $2.8 million on revitalizing the Frostburg State University Planetarium. 'The revitalized planetarium will not only enhance educational opportunities for a diversity of learners of all ages, but will also contribute to cultural and economic growth,' said Associate Professor of Physics Jason Speights. The remaining $26 million would go toward projects in the rest of the congressional district throughout Washington and Frederick counties. 'These community-focused investments will help foster growth and strengthen Maryland's 6th Congressional District,' McClain Delaney said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Flood damage estimated upward of $78 million, Delaney's office says
WESTERNPORT — Damages from floods that consumed southwestern Allegany County nearly three weeks ago are estimated upward of $78 million, U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney's office said Friday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency since Wednesday has been assessing the area, although no decisions or timeline have been established for help. On Thursday, local and state emergency management officials updated the congresswoman on the extent of damage, ongoing response and recovery efforts. 'I'm committed to working in lockstep with the governor and our U.S. senators to help Mountain Maryland in their time of need,' McClain Delaney said. 'This will be a true bicameral effort to secure as much federal funding as possible,' she said. 'Our entire delegation must come together to lift up (the Allegany and Garrett county area) to ensure it has the resources and support it needs to recover, rebuild and thrive.' 'Ready to work' Aspects of the flood recovery were highlighted at the Allegany County Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday. 'We are still receiving federal support,' Commissioner Bill Atkinson said, adding that U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks was expected to tour the area Friday. 'The Small Business Administration disaster loan assistance is on site, for low-interest disaster loans for flood-effected homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses,' he said. Crews from Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup Crews from Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup work Friday inside the Westernport Town Building, above. At right, Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton unloads a shipment of five-gallon buckets donated by Menard's of Morgantown, West Virginia. County Attorney T. Lee Beeman said a draft lease agreement with Beitzel Resources in Grantsville was finalized. 'They've been kind enough to donate warehouse space to us,' he said, adding that the area will be used to store flood relief items. County Administrator Jason Bennett said post-flood work continues in Westernport. 'All of our crews are currently up there,' he said. Commissioner Creade Brodie said he was grateful for people and agencies who helped 'with the recent devastation of the flood' in Allegany County. 'It did a number to us,' he said, thanking 'all four mayors of the crick,' regarding leaders of the lower Georges Creek region. 'What really amazed a lot of people from Midland to Westernport was the citizens that jumped in and helped,' Brodie said. 'Everyone showed up ready to work and ready to help.' Commissioner President Dave Caporale said more help is wanted. 'If you can give funds, supplies or your time, these folks still need it,' he said. 'We've got a long way to go.' Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton was at the meeting to thank county officials and workers for their support as her town recovers. Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton unloads a shipment of five-gallon buckets donated by Menard's of Morgantown, West Virginia, on Friday, May 30, 2025. She talked of Caporale 'scraping up floors one night, helping our rescue squad.' Brodie 'has checked in with me ... several times,' Hamilton said. 'A lot of our homes are damaged, we're still digging out mud,' she said. 'But, you guys have been wonderful ... I truly appreciate everything that you guys have done.' Across the country Jonathan Dayton is president of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association in Allegany and Garrett counties. He was raised in Westernport and is an active volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. The town's Potomac Fire Company No. 2 on Main Street sustained roughly 2 feet of water in the flood, Dayton said. The department is working with its insurance company as it navigates needed repairs, including new interior walls. 'It's kind of a waiting game,' Dayton said, adding that financial donations are appreciated. 'Insurance doesn't cover everything.' After the May 13 flood, the fire company's demand in the community grew by roughly 80% and included rock slides, water in basements, downed trees and electrical emergencies, he said. 'We've seen a major increase in calls,' Dayton said. Meanwhile, 'the fire station is still operational,' he said. 'It's been a very busy two weeks (and there's) a lot of work that still needs to be done,' Dayton said. He thanked volunteer emergency responders and mutual aid from departments across the region, including in West Virginia and Pennsylvania for their help during the flood. Robert Pattison Jr. and Shane Fazenbaker Potomac Fire Co. No. 2 members, from left, Robert Pattison Jr. and Shane Fazenbaker wash one of the department's engines Friday at the Main Street station in Westernport omn Friday, May 30, 2025. Westernport's Potomac Fire Company No. 2 Chief Tim Dayton said proactive approaches, such as rebuilding with metal walls, are being explored. He hopes the fire station is renovated within a couple of months. Tim Dayton talked of his gratitude for folks, many who came from across the country to support the tiny town's recovery. 'The outpouring of the citizens and the people coming in to help ... is unbelievable,' he said. Next door, Tri-Towns EMS was also flooded. 'Tri-Towns EMS suffered severe damage to our building due to the recent flooding,' a GoFundMe page for the organization stated Friday. 'Our entire basement was submerged, and the damage extended throughout the first floor of our station.' Tri-Towns also lost 'several thousand dollars worth of vital medical supplies, as well as furniture, office equipment and essential materials critical to our day-to-day operations,' the page stated. 'Spirit of service' Frostburg State University this week opened its doors to Westernport Elementary School staff and students. The May 13 floodwaters reached the second floor of their school and required roughly 150 students and 50 adults to be evacuated by boat and a high-profile vehicle. Due to extensive damage from the flood, the elementary school will be closed for the remainder of the academic year. The school of 295 students and staff will utilize space on the FSU campus until June 6. 'In the wake of the devastating flood, Bobcat Nation was happy to offer our support to Westernport Elementary School,' FSU Interim President Darlene Brannigan Smith said via press release. 'I'm proud of our staff who stepped up to quickly formulate a plan to provide learning spaces in our Education and Health Science Center for these elementary students — and dare I say future Bobcats.' FSU's Children's Literature Centre, which is housed in the EHSC, will be used for office space and provide supplemental lessons and activities for the students. 'Coincidentally, this year's school partner in the Children's Literature Centre's Adopt-A-School Program is Westernport Elementary School,' the release stated. In addition to spaces in the EHSC, the Westernport group will have access to Frostburg's fields and gymnasiums for physical education and recess, and space will be reserved in FSU's Lane University Center for student meals. 'Breakfast and lunch are being provided courtesy of the university's new food vendor, Aladdin, who only just began their contract with FSU on May 23,' the release stated. 'So many departments across our campus should be commended for working together to make this a reality for these children,' Smith said. 'Thanks go out to staff in the EHSC and CLC, Aladdin, FSU campus police, our facilities and athletics departments, our Lane Center and university bookstore, printing services and academic and student affairs.' Westernport's teachers were on campus Tuesday for an orientation and welcome session in preparation for the students' Thursday arrival. Students were greeted by FSU staff as well as a surprise visit from Frostburg's mascot, Bob E. Cat. Westernport Elementary School students and Bob E. Cat Westernport Elementary School students are greeted by Frostburg State University's mascot, Bob E. Cat, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 'We are truly excited to have our family back together, and with the help of FSU, this is possible,' Westernport Principal Derek Horne said via the release. 'Our hearts are warmed by their generosity.' According to the release, FSU student volunteers on the night of the flood provided bedding and hygiene kits for stranded victims. The FSU Department of Athletics provided access to campus laundry facilities for a Lonaconing nursing home that was without water for four days. 'The efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administrators demonstrate the true spirit of service and all that FSU stands for,' Smith said. 'We're just so glad that something positive was able to come out of this tragedy.' Ways to help Checks can be sent to Potomac Fire Company No. 2, PO Box 326, Westernport, MD 21562. A GoFundMe to support Potomac Fire Co. No. 2 and Tri-Towns EMS will close June 7. Tri-Towns EMS also has its own GoFundMe page. Tri-Towns is selling 'Stronger than the Storm' shirts to raise funds for its rebuilding efforts. A variety of styles are available and range in price from about $20 to $40. Learn more at The Western Maryland Strong Fund states it was created 'to provide a secure and reliable repository for contributions, ensuring support reaches individuals and families impacted by the flooding with flexible aid for evolving needs.' Learn more at
CBS News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Classes resume at National Fire Academy in Maryland after federal funding freeze
Classes at the National Fire Academy in Maryland resumed after a pause due to federal funding freezes and staffing cuts, according to a group of state lawmakers. The training academy, which serves first responders across the nation, halted classes in early March after the Trump administration called for an evaluation of programs and spending. What is the National Fire Academy? The National Fire Academy opened in 1973 to address an increase in fatal fires across the nation. Firefighters and other first responders travel to the academy in Emmisburg, Maryland, to take advantage of free training programs funded by the federal government. The academy was about to welcome a new class of officers in March when instructors were directed to cancel travel. "It's not a 'nice to have.' It is the one avenue we have to bring people from all over the country to learn from and with each other," former Maryland fire chief March Bashoor said at the time. "If we want to continue to have one of the premier fire services in the world, we need to have the National Fire Academy." National Fire Academy trainings resume Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. April McClain Delaney announced on May 22 that training at the National Fire Academy would restart immediately. After the announcement of the pause in trainings, several Maryland lawmakers, including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, penned a letter demanding answers about the pause in classes from the Trump administration. Though classes will restart, Rep. Delaney said the group did not receive a response to their letter. "The Trump Administration's decision to abruptly cancel these classes made no sense – and what's more, it risked significant harm to our communities and those who protect them," Sen. Van Hollen said.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers tour flooded Western Maryland
Washington (DC News Now) — Western Maryland is under a state of emergency as recovery efforts continue after historic flooding in Allegany and Garrett Counties. Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) toured the town of Westernport this week. He was joined by Maryland Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D) who represents that district. Rep. Delaney talks on what she saw and how she can help with federal resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Fire Academy in Maryland abruptly shuttered
Fire hoses at the ready. (Photo courtesy the U.S. Fire Administration) Firefighters across the country were stunned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's abrupt announcement Friday that classes at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland were canceled, beginning Monday. The directive came via email on Friday afternoon and is in effect starting this week, according to a spokesperson for Rep. April McClain Delaney, D-Maryland. It applies to all classes that require a federally funded instructor, which encompasses virtually all programs besides 'click and watch' instruction. 'The Trump administration's order to pause lifesaving training in Emmitsburg not only flies in the face of a judge's most recent demand to resume all federal spending,' McClain Delaney said in a statement Monday, 'but also weakens the level of preparedness for our first responders across the nation.' The sudden cut-off of services also caught local legislators like Delegate William Wivell, R-Frederick, by surprise. 'Emergency services was an area we thought the administration was going to protect,' Wivell said Monday night, adding that he hopes, and expects, that operations will return to normal in the near future. FEMA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the shutdown. Peter Matthews, a former firefighter in Laurel, Maryland, who is now editor-in-chief at Firehouse Magazine, said Monday that the academy serves as an opportunity for firefighters and emergency personnel from different parts of the country to share experiences and learn from each other. Without it, he said, they may be in the dark. 'On the whole, because you never know what you're going to need, it impacts every community,' Matthews said. 'Firefighters are called out for everything including police incidents and EMS incidents. 'So the folks that manage that disaster, big or small, are having a negative impact by losing these classes,' Matthews said. According to its website, the National Fire Academy provides 'specialized training courses and advanced management programs' for firefighters, fire service instructors and others in associated fields. The academy also offers off-campus courses of the two and six-day variety. This includes two-day courses co-sponsored by the NFA and state or local fire training agencies, which are delivered in the training agency's home state. The training is free, and fire departments and professionals across the U.S. are invited to apply. On Friday, those opportunities suddenly, and without advance warning, dried up – according to Matthews, the notice from FEMA was unexpected by personnel within the academy. He said that, as it stands, there is 'a lot of confusion.' 'Usually there's somebody that has an answer,' Matthews said. 'Everyone always comes to the fire service to solve their problems, well, now they really need help.' According to a Facebook post from the Maine Fire Service Institute, the notification was such a surprise that one NFA instructor was already in the state when he received notice that classes had been canceled. While not a direct victim of the sweeping layoffs and budget cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency, the cancellations at the NFA align with larger efforts from the Trump administration to reexamine, and in many cases shut off, the flow of federal money. It is unclear when classes will resume, though FEMA's email said it would reevaluate after a review. McClain Delaney raised the issue on the House floor Monday night, making a plea for FEMA to reverse its decision. 'While I agree that our government should should run more efficiently, jeopardizing our firefighters' personal safety and the safety and well-being of our communities is never the answer,' McClain Delaney said. This story was originally produced by Maryland Matters which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montnanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
