2 days ago
State money to aid flood recovery
ANNAPOLIS — Allegany County Government will receive $459,375 from the state's Disaster Recovery Fund to support victims of flash flooding last month.
'In Maryland, we live mission-first, people always. These funds will help Marylanders get back on their feet in the wake of historic flooding,' Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. 'Our administration has taken a comprehensive approach to our recovery efforts — and we will continue to support our people, uplift our communities and help Western Maryland bounce back.'
The May 13 flooding along Georges Creek caused significant damage to more than 200 homes and businesses and led to evacuations and water rescues, including about 150 students and 50 adults at Westernport Elementary School. Damage has been estimated at $78 million.
'We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support provided by the state of Maryland throughout every phase of our disaster recovery efforts,' said Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale. 'The comprehensive assistance — from multiple state departments — has been extraordinary, and this monetary award through the new Disaster Recovery Program is both timely and impactful. As the first recipients of this program, we recognize the significance of this moment, and we are committed to putting these resources to immediate use to help our neighbors and communities rebuild stronger than before.'
The State Disaster Recovery Fund is a form of state-assisted financing given to county and municipal jurisdictions within Maryland for the purpose of providing essential assistance to individuals, households, businesses and local governments affected by disasters. Local governments may request fund supplementation for essential individual and household needs such as housing, repairs and personal property replacement. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management administers the fund.
'Recovery is a whole community effort,' said Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. 'Being the first of its kind in Maryland, the State Disaster Recovery Fund is providing critical support to the residents of Allegany County. Financial assistance availability at crucial times like this is what strengthens our state's resilience and allows our communities to recover.'
The Department of Emergency Management is the lead coordinating agency for disaster response and recovery in Maryland. The department has established a state recovery organization with representation from local and state government agencies to fill resource requests, enhance information sharing and problem solving and address the needs of the impacted residents and businesses. The department has also coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies in recovery efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding due to the impacts on the local rivers and streams in the area.
Volunteer organizations have already provided more than $400,000 in estimated support services via the Crisis Cleanup app, including clean up of residences and businesses, the governor's office said. Additional goods, services and volunteer hours have also been donated in support of recovery that were not captured by the app's tracking.
Garrett County and Allegany County residents and business owners are also eligible for disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration Physical Loan program. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center has been opened at 103 1st St., Westernport, which will serve both Allegany and Garrett counties. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Multi-agency resource and support centers remain open at the Bruce Outreach Center in Westernport on Saturdays and Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1 to 7 p.m., and the Good Will Fire Company Armory on Sundays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 7 p.m.
