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CBS News
7 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
White House rejects Maryland's request for disaster assistance after flooding in May, Gov. Moore says
The White House rejected Maryland's request for federal disaster assistance after flooding in May damaged homes and businesses in Allegany and Garrett counties, Gov. Wes Moore said Wednesday. The governor requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration in June to aid in the recovery effort after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) found that it could cost nearly $15.8 million. "These communities demonstrated a clear need through FEMA's own process, and Maryland will appeal the decision to seek all available resources to support the recovery efforts," the governor said Wednesday. Flash flooding on May 13 damaged more than 200 homes and affected businesses, roads and public utilities. People were rescued from flooded schools, and some were trapped overnight during power outages. According to the governor's office, the heavy rainfall caused Georges Creek to overflow into several nearby towns. Local, state and federal responders aided in rescue efforts after a State of Emergency was declared. Following FEMA assessments, Gov. Moore said the recovery effort would be beyond the capacity of state and local agencies. "After a thorough assessment of the damage, it's clear that additional support is necessary," he said in announcing the request. A Presidential Disaster Declaration would allow Maryland to receive help from FEMA. It would also allow the state to request access to funding that could support infrastructure repairs and fixes to publicly owned facilities. "The addition of much-needed federal assistance is necessary to get those affected back to their regular lives and to allow those communities to fully recover in months instead of years," MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland said in announcing the request. According to the governor's office, the estimated $15.8 million cost for recovery surpasses FEMA's threshold for disaster assistance, which in Allegany County is $321,460. In Maryland, that threshold is $11.6 million. "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," Gov. Moore said. The governor said he plans to appeal the decision. Since taking office, President Trump has claimed FEMA is unsuccessful and has suggested changes to the agency. He signed an executive order that he said would "begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA," though that action would need approval from Congress. In June, the administration said it wanted to "wean" states off of FEMA aid after the 2025 hurricane season. The administration indicated that governors would be in a better position to respond to disasters in their states. "We want to wean off of FEMA and we want to bring it down to the state level — a little bit like education, we're moving it back to the states," Mr. Trump said.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Foggy start to Monday ahead of heavy rain, possible flash flooding
The FLOOD WATCH for our area has been cancelled except for Garrett County (MD), which continues until 10 p.m. tonight. Temperatures will fall into the 60s overnight with muggy conditions, fog will develop into the morning hours on Monday. More unsettled weather is expected again on Monday; heavy rainfall is possible along with storms that could become severe. The severe threat is slightly higher on Monday with potential storms for the afternoon and evening hours. Flash flooding is possible with heavy rainfall again on Monday. Severe storms on Monday could produce damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes could be possible. Make sure to stay weather aware. Dry weather returns with sunshine by the middle part of the week, just in time for the start of the US Open at Oakmont! More wet weather will likely return late Friday and into the weekend. Make sure you check the latest forecast on Channel 11 News. Download the Severe Weather Team 11 App for weather updates and alerts. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
State of Emergency declared for flood-damaged areas in western Maryland
A State of Emergency has been issued for communities in western Maryland that were impacted by this week's severe flooding, Gov. Wes Moore announced on Thursday. The governor visited the damaged areas in Allegany County in the aftermath of Tuesday's storms. "After surveying the damage and receiving updates on the work still ahead in Western Maryland, I've declared a State of Emergency to accelerate our response," Gov. Moore said. "Today, our thoughts are with the Marylanders who have been directly impacted by this storm, and our gratitude is with all of the first responders, crisis managers, and public servants who raised their hands to support our people in a moment of need." The State of Emergency opens the region up to receive the necessary resources to recover. Western Maryland washout Allegany and Garrett counties had major flooding, caused by more than five inches of rain, and the Georges Creek crest rose to its second-highest on record. There were damaged buildings, power outages, gas line washouts, and roadways washed out. Hundreds of students at Westernport and George's Creek elementary schools were evacuated and rescued from the high-rising waters. "No one ever expects disaster to strike close to home, but when it does, the strength and resilience of our communities become clear," said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. "The people of Western Maryland faced unimaginable flooding with courage and saved lives through the quick action of local responders. Under Governor Moore's emergency declaration, MDEM will continue to lead a coordinated, statewide response and recovery, working side-by-side with local officials, first responders, and our state and federal partners to support immediate needs, assess damage, and build a path toward long-term recovery. We will not leave until the work is done." During Gov. Moore's visit to western Maryland, he surveyed the flood damage to the Westernport fire hall, library, local businesses, and Westernport Elementary School. "It's heartbreaking, the kind of impact we're seeing, particularly in the western part of the state," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told WJZ on Wednesday. "We have been in constant communication with our local elected officials there." The state mobilized multiple agencies to assist in the recovery efforts: Maryland State Troopers are stationed across the region. Natural Resources Police are checking door to door in areas under mandatory evacuation orders. Department of Emergency Management leaders held a conference call with local officials to coordinate the response. The State Highway Administration is focused on cleaning up closed roads. The Maryland Department of the Environment said the Savage River Dam remains stable. Howard, Frederick, and Montgomery Counties have assisted with their swift water rescue teams. Floodwater rescues At least 150 children and 50 adults were rescued from schools in Allegany County. Twelve students were trapped overnight at Mountain Ridge High School in Frostburg. "Administrators, teachers, a school nurse, a school security officer, a counselor, food services staff, and others were on hand to take care of the students," Allegany County Public Schools wrote in a statement. At Westernport Elementary, water covered the ground floor, and first responders took 10-year-old William Wade, his 8-year-old brother Quinton, and their classmates by boat to safety. "I went in a motorboat, and they drove us to where there was no water—and we saw how high the water was," William Wade told CBS News Pittsburgh. He said, "I'm just happy to be alive."
