Gov. Wes Moore went to Western Maryland on Sunday to discuss ongoing recovery efforts as the region rebuilds following devastating flooding in mid-May.
The governor previously visited Westernport on May 15, two days after rising water levels damaged over 200 homes and buildings in the area.
“Today, I once again saw the strength of Western Maryland — a community that mobilized in the wake of disaster. Our resolve hasn’t wavered and there is no question that our recovery requires more time and resources,” Moore said.
Despite a joint preliminary damage assessment estimating over $15.8 million in emergency response costs and infrastructure damage, the federal government denied Maryland’s request for federal disaster assistance. While Moore’s administration is appealing that decision, the governor pointed his ire towards the White House for the initial response.
“The Trump Administration denied our request for federal disaster assistance, even though Maryland met long-standing criteria for FEMA support,” Moore said. “This cruel choice by the federal government won’t stop us from moving forward. We will appeal their decision and continue fighting for the people of Allegany and Garrett counties.”
During the governor’s visit, he attended a morning church service alongside Westernport’s mayor and sat for lunch at a restaurant directly impacted by flood damage alongside roughly a dozen state and local officials, including Democratic Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.
“I’m grateful to Governor Moore and our local and state delegation for their leadership and partnership. Today showed what recovery should look like: an all-hands effort to support our communities after tragedy,” McClain Delaney said. “The resilience of our neighbors has been nothing short of inspiring. While I remain disappointed by the Administration’s denial of our FEMA request, we will continue to fight for the resources Mountain Maryland needs to recover and rebuild even stronger.”
The state has allocated nearly $1.5 million towards recovery efforts so far, though some officials said they will continue to work to secure further funding.
“The community of Westernport has shown immense resilience in the face of devastating May floods,” Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland said. “We are committed to seeking every available recovery resource to support the residents and businesses that were impacted, and are working closely with communities across Allegany and Garrett to gather the necessary information to appeal the decision to deny Maryland federal disaster assistance.”
No timeline was given on when a decision can be expected on the state’s appeal for disaster relief funding.
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