August 19th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
Governor Wes Moore today announced the appeal of President Trump’s denial for a Major Disaster Declaration for flooding that occurred in Western Maryland this past May. Maryland’s initial request was denied on July 22 in a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which stated assistance to Maryland was deemed unwarranted. Since the President’s initial denial, FEMA has validated an additional $17.9 million in damages, raising the total estimated damages to $33.7 million. This is nearly three times the State’s Federal threshold for assistance.
“Maryland has met long-standing criteria for FEMA support in the wake of historic floods across Mountain Maryland. And this appeal isn’t simply justified, it’s necessary,” said Gov. Moore. “I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Marylanders in Allegany and Garrett Counties, who are still recovering from an unthinkable catastrophe. They are calling on us to support them in this hour of need, and that’s exactly what we will continue to do.”
In the days following the flooding, Allegany and Garrett counties conducted joint preliminary damage assessments in coordination with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and FEMA. Maryland requested that the president issue a Major Disaster Declaration and public assistance funding after meeting the FEMA-established assistance thresholds. The intensive process validated damages to critical and public infrastructure eligible for public assistance funding.
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. Allegany County’s threshold for FEMA Public Assistance is $321,460 and Maryland’s is $11,674,953.
“We have continued to work closely with Allegany and Garrett counties to capture the damages,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. “We will continue to pursue all possible assistance for the impacted communities to support their recovery.”
In June, Governor Moore announced the first-ever use of the State Disaster Recovery Fund, providing $459,375 in recovery support for individuals impacted by the flooding. In July, Governor Moore announced an additional $1 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds for families in Garrett and Allegany counties.
FEMA Public Assistance is only available through a Major Disaster Declaration issued by the President. The program would provide funding for Garrett and Allegany counties for repair of critical and public infrastructure like roads, bridges, public water systems and sewage systems. The state also requested access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding to reduce risk of future impacts of similar events.
“I respectfully request that FEMA reconsiders their decision and provides the necessary aid that the residents of Westernport and neighboring towns need to fully recover from the devastating floods of May 2025,” said Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton.
“Maryland’s appeal of FEMA’s recent denial concerning the George’s Creek Flood marks an important milestone for Allegany County,” said Senator Mike McKay. “Working hand-in-glove with Governor Moore’s emergency management team, the process has been seamless and focused on delivering results for our community.”
“Our county government does not have the financial capacity to absorb the full cost of disaster recovery,” said Allegany County Commission President David J. Caporale. “Without federal aid, essential systems will remain at risk. This is not simply a matter of convenience; these are lifelines for public safety, commerce, and the daily functioning of our community.”
