ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced $12 million in operating funds to support flood recovery efforts in Allegany County as part of the administration’s
proposed FY 2027 budget. The investment targets riverbed restoration and critical infrastructure repairs for communities still reeling from historic flooding in May 2025, following the Trump Administration’s
denial of the state’s appeal for federal disaster aid.
“In the wake of historic floods in Western Maryland last year, our commitment was clear: we will protect our people,”
said Gov. Moore. “As the federal government continues to deny FEMA assistance, Maryland is stepping up. Our administration is working in partnership with local leaders to ensure investments reach the Mountain Maryland communities most affected by the floods. Western Maryland deserves not just recovery, but rebuilding and renewal—and that is what we are delivering together.”
The governor’s proposed flood recovery funding includes $5.5 million for George’s Creek riverbed restoration to mitigate future flood risks; $5.5 million for repairs to infrastructure, including sewers, waterlines, roads, and bridges; and $1 million to restore the foundation and structural stability of the Westernport Library. These investments follow the nearly $1.5 million in immediate relief provided through the
State Disaster Recovery Fund and the
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to support impacted families last year.
“Governor Moore ‘leaves no one behind’ in Maryland,”
said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “I witnessed this firsthand when I joined him to see the devastation in Westernport. Touring the town's library in knee-deep mud, I picked up from the debris the child’s book Goodnight Moon as the library's director informed me how this place truly served as the community's central hub. In those moments, we all realized that while there is incredible resilience in this Appalachian Region, these communities would require a lot of state and federal assistance to rebuild. The Trump Administration’s unjustified denial of FEMA funding was bewildering, particularly given that FEMA aid was granted to neighboring West Virginia. Fortunately, true to his word, our Governor is not leaving Mountain Maryland behind and is stepping in to help. I am proud to work alongside Team Maryland to fight to ensure that these communities receive the necessary assistance they need to rebuild and thrive.”
In addition to the targeted flood recovery funds, the
governor’s budget proposal includes more than $74 million in Capital Improvement Program projects across Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. The Moore-Miller Administration’s budget proposal allocates $16.9 million for Allegany County, $26.1 million for Garrett County, and $31 million for Washington County through the Capital Improvement Program to drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
Key projects funded in the FY 2027 budget proposal include $7.9 million for upgrades to the Grantsville Wastewater Treatment Plant and $5.5 million for water and wastewater improvements at Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County. In Allegany County, the budget provides $2.8 million for Rocky Gap State Park campground improvements and $2.4 million for the Allegany College of Maryland Workforce Development and Training Center renovation. Washington County will see $6.4 million for the new Downsville Pike Elementary School and $4.1 million for upgrades to the Hancock Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“The Georges Creek flood tested our community, but Appalachia Maryland proved its strength,”
said Senator Mike McKay. “I’m grateful Governor Moore kept his word and delivered real relief for the families impacted in May. Our region is resilient, and with continued partnership, we’ll make sure no community is forgotten. His $12 million commitment in this year’s budget shows he stood with us then and stands with us now.”
“We appreciate Governor Moore’s continued support and his administration’s willingness to partner with us,”
said Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale. “These resources are an important step in helping our communities stabilize and move forward.”
Since taking office, the Moore-Miller Administration has invested approximately $418 million in capital funding for Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties’ local infrastructure needs. Beyond the governor’s budget proposals announced this week, the administration has prioritized the region’s economic competitiveness, fully restoring funding for I-81 in Washington County, and securing a
$100 million investment from Hitachi to build a rail production facility in Hagerstown that will sustain 1,300 jobs.
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