August 22nd, 2025 by WCBC Radio

The work of recovery continues in the Georges Creek area after flooding caused extreme damages in the areas of Lonaconing and Westernport. FEMA has initially denied recovery funds, but an appeal is now in place with state and local leaders supporting the ask. Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn tells WCBC that the delay may have been helpful, as damages and bills still keep coming in…

“Without having those monies readily available, those contractors that stepped up to the plate and did all this extra work still have invoices out there that’ not paid. So, it’s that two-sided sword – yes, it was a good thing that we got the opportunity to go out and reassess, the bad thing is we can’t get a lot of these bills paid till the money comes in.”