Latest news with #MarylandDepartmentofEmergencyManagement
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Moore requests FEMA assessment in areas damaged by flooding
ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Wes Moore Friday issued a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct damage assessments in areas of Western Maryland that were recently impacted by severe flooding. As a result of torrential rainfall and flash flooding May 13-14, several Allegany County communities sustained damage to residences and infrastructure and incurred significant response costs, necessitating additional assistance. 'Moving in partnership with first responders, local leaders and state officials, we have mounted a swift and aggressive response to the devastating flood in Western Maryland. But the breadth of damage requires us to accelerate our work in this moment, not slow down,' Moore said. 'This Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment will help ensure Marylanders get the help they need as we work together to rebuild.' The process — conducted in coordination with FEMA, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and local emergency management officials — is a necessary step toward determining whether Maryland meets the federal criteria to request a presidential disaster declaration to address the impacts caused directly by flooding. Allegany and Garrett counties have asked that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management request assessments to be scheduled as soon as possible. 'Our teams have been on the ground since the flooding began, working hand in hand with local officials to support residents and begin recovery,' said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. 'This damage assessment will help ensure we have the information needed to seek federal assistance and long-term support for Western Maryland communities.' Since the flooding, the department and numerous state agencies have been working closely with local emergency managers and nonprofit partners to support county-led recovery efforts and provide resources, including assistance with initial damage assessments, volunteer agency coordination and donations management. Maryland continues to prioritize community needs and support for the local jurisdictions while preparing for the formal assessment process. For more information about damage assessments and disaster declarations, visit County assistance • Crisis Cleanup is a platform used by organizations and volunteers to coordinate disaster recovery efforts, specifically helping with property cleanup and debris removal after disasters. Call the hotline at 301-360-4719 to request assistance. • Dumpsters for water damaged household goods, such as furniture, drywall and carpet are located at: Westernport — beside City Building on Main Street. Barton — Fire hall parking lot. Lonaconing — Town Hall Garage on Jackson Street. Midland — Lot behind fire station. Ellerslie — Lot behind fire station. Mount Savage — Across from the fire station. Cresaptown — Career Center parking lot. Residents are asked not to dump mud, sludge or natural debris. Flood debris should be placed at the property edge. Cleanup crews will load debris in the coming days. • Donations — The Community Trust Foundation has launched Western Maryland Strong Fund for monetary donations. Clothing donations should be directed to Goodwill and food donations should be go to the Western Maryland Food Bank. Bulk donations of physical goods, particularly cleaning products are still being accepted. To donate, visit U.S. Route 219 opens The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reopened U.S. Route 219 Saturday, 1 mile north of Salisbury, 10 days after the Boynton bridge over Piney Creek was damaged by flooding. The department and contractor partners completed a temporary structure over the creek to restore local travel after floodwaters destroyed the upstream center pier of the 102-year-old structure in the village of Boynton.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Audit: Maryland Department of Emergency Management can't account for over $300M in federal funding
A legislative audit released Thursday found that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) potentially cost the state more than $300 million in federal COVID-19-related funds and failed to account for over $23 million in loans to volunteer fire companies. In MDEM's first audit since being established in 2021, the Maryland Office of Legislative Audits (OLA) determined that in several instances, the department spent more than $1.13 billion between 2022 and 2024 on COVID-related grants, making up most of its funding for public assistance. While the department was able to request federal reimbursements for much of this spending, it failed to do so on a quarterly basis, which lost the state an estimated $19.2 million. MDEM also reported receiving $882 million in federal funds, but upon further analysis, it received only about $560 million. There is a chance that the federal government will still fulfill the full requested amount, but if it does not, Maryland taxpayers might be on the hook to cover the $300 million shortfall. The audit's final reported finding was that MDEM has 62 active loans under its Volunteer Company Assistance Fund (VCAF), with a combined outstanding balance of over $23 million. These loans, intended to help volunteer fire companies purchase and improve equipment, are all overseen by a single MDEM employee, which the audit says leaves the department susceptible to delinquent loan payments. During the audit, OLA identified over $540,000 worth of late VCAF payments. 'MDEM has implemented control processes and made progress in areas described in this report, including filling key vacancies that may have contributed to the findings,' wrote Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland in his response to the audit. Have a news tip? Contact Mathew Schumer at mschumer@ 443-890-7423 and on X as @mmmschumer.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Audit: Maryland Department of Emergency Management can't account for over $300M in federal funding
A legislative audit released Thursday found that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) potentially cost the state more than $300 million in federal COVID-19-related funds and failed to account for over $23 million in loans to volunteer fire companies. In MDEM's first audit since being established in 2021, the Maryland Office of Legislative Audits (OLA) determined that in several instances, the department spent more than $1.13 billion between 2022 and 2024 on COVID-related grants, making up most of its funding for public assistance. While the department was able to request federal reimbursements for much of this spending, it failed to do so on a quarterly basis, which lost the state an estimated $19.2 million. MDEM also reported receiving $882 million in federal funds, but upon further analysis, it received only about $560 million. There is a chance that the federal government will still fulfill the full requested amount, but if it does not, Maryland taxpayers might be on the hook to cover the $300 million shortfall. The audit's final reported finding was that MDEM has 62 active loans under its Volunteer Company Assistance Fund (VCAF), with a combined outstanding balance of over $23 million. These loans, intended to help volunteer fire companies purchase and improve equipment, are all overseen by a single MDEM employee, which the audit says leaves the department susceptible to delinquent loan payments. During the audit, OLA identified over $540,000 worth of late VCAF payments. 'MDEM has implemented control processes and made progress in areas described in this report, including filling key vacancies that may have contributed to the findings,' wrote Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland in his response to the audit. Have a news tip? Contact Mathew Schumer at mschumer@ 443-890-7423 and on X as @mmmschumer.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Volunteers encouraged to sign up for Crisis Cleanup after intense flooding in western Maryland
MARYLAND () — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is encouraging people to sign up to volunteer for Crisis Cleanup after floods from heavy rain swept through western Maryland on Tuesday. 'Crisis Cleanup is not a technology. It's a philosophy,' MDEM stated. Tenants evacuated due to flooding dangers along C&O Canal On Tuesday, the western region of Maryland, such as Allegany County, Washington County and Westernport, saw intense flooding, trapping people, causing property damage and more. Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to volunteer for Crisis Cleanup, a program that dispatches small groups of volunteers to survivors who need relief. Western Maryland in recovery mode from overnight flash flooding due to heavy rain For more information and to register, click . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Governor Moore urges Marylanders to stay vigilant as rain causes severe flooding
MARYLAND () — Gov. Wes Moore is urging Marylanders to stay safe and vigilant after flash floods hit the Western part of the state. On Tuesday, heavy rain poured across the DMV, leading to significant flooding, particularly in Allegany County. The downpours left several roads closed and flooded, prompting evacuations and emergency responses. Moore noted that nearly five inches of rain had fallen since midnight. The North Branch Potomac River in Cumberland is forecasted to reach 22.6 feet overnight. This would be the highest river crest since 1996. Allegany County Public Schools closed on Wednesday after heavy rain causes flash flooding Maryland leaders are urging the community to stay alert and use extreme caution as more rain is forecasted for Wednesday. As a result, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the state's response to the heavy rain. 'We remain in close contact with local officials and continue to coordinate resources as the rain continues to fall,' said Moore. 'I urge all Marylanders to remain vigilant, heed warnings from local officials, and prioritize safety during this time. If you don't have to go out, please do not go out. Stay off the roads if possible and heed any evacuation orders.' Officials: People trapped amid flash flooding in Allegany County The Allegany County Emergency Services have also reported that floodwaters have caused washouts and gas line leaks. Officials said if residents smell gas, call 911 and stay away from the areas where the odor is strong. Officials remind the community to avoid driving on flooded roadways and never go around barricades. Howard County, Frederick County and Montgomery County have also deployed swift water rescue teams through the state's emergency assistance program. Emergency shelters are also open in Allegany and Garrett counties to help those who have been impacted by evacuations and flooding. Here is a list of emergency shelters: Midland Fire Department Hall – 14823 Broadway Ave, Midland, MD 21542 Barton Fire Department – 19202 Legislative Rd SW, Barton, MD 21521 Eastern Garrett County VFD – 401 Fenzel Rd, Frosburg, MD 21532 Bloomington VFC – 77 N Branch Ave, Bloomington, MD 21523 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
