ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore says the federal government denied a request for disaster assistance related to May flooding in Western Maryland.
In a statement Moore claims he sought federal aid on June 13, submitting estimated damage costs totaling more than $15.8 million.
“A stationary low-pressure system in the Ohio River Valley produced extreme rainfall between May 12 and May 14, causing Georges Creek to reach a near-record level of 12.41 feet, overflowing into several towns in Allegany County," Moore's statement reads.
According to Moore, floods damaged over 200 homes, numerous businesses, roads, bridges, railroads, sewer systems, and public utilities.
“These estimates are above and beyond the thresholds for disaster assistance set by FEMA," Moore argues. "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 reportedly $321,460, while Maryland’s is $11,674,953.
So far the State has awarded more than $1.5 million through its own Disaster Recovery Fund and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Moore vowed to appeal the government's decision.
