ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today returned to Westernport, Maryland to reinforce the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting western Maryland following the Trump Administration’s
denial of Maryland’s request for federal disaster assistance. Governor Moore met with Westernport residents, community leaders, and elected officials to discuss ongoing recovery efforts as the state works to appeal the president’s decision to deny Maryland’s federal aid request.
“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,”
said Gov. Moore. “The Trump Administration denied our request for federal disaster assistance, even though Maryland met long-standing criteria for FEMA support. 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.”
After Western Maryland experienced historic flooding in May, Governor Moore requested a
joint preliminary damage assessment, which estimated more than $15.8 million in emergency response costs and damage to infrastructure, including more than 200 homes, numerous businesses, roads, bridges, railroads, sewer systems, drinking water, and public utilities. The estimates—made through the state’s coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, and local officials are above FEMA disaster assistance thresholds. As the Moore-Miller Administration works to appeal the federal government’s decision, the state will continue to leverage existing programs and available funds to support communities that continue to recover from flooding impacts.
“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,”
said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “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.”
Following emergency response and rescue operations in May, the Moore-Miller Administration took immediate action to make funding available to residents and businesses. In June, the governor announced that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management awarded Allegany County $459,375 from the
State Disaster Recovery Fund—the first-ever funding administered through the program. The governor also announced earlier this month that an
additional $1 million was made available to Allegany and Garrett counties through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
The governor began his visit at the First Baptist Church of Westernport, where he joined the congregation for the morning service alongside Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton. During the service, the Governor Moore delivered a message of faith and resilience before participating in the new member tradition of greeting congregants at the church doors as they depart the service.
The governor then visited the Port West Restaurant on Main Street, which was directly impacted by and temporarily closed due to flood damage. Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney, Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton, State Senator Mike McKay, State Delegate Jim Hinebaugh, Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale, and other local officials joined Governor Moore for lunch with restaurant owners and Westernport residents to discuss ongoing recovery efforts and the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to appealing President Trump’s decision to deny recovery aid.
“The community of Westernport has shown immense resilience in the face of devastating May floods,”
said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. “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.”
“Westernport has shown incredible resilience in the face of disaster,”
said Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton. “We are grateful for the support of Governor Moore, and thankful for the state's commitment to fighting to gain the federal recovery assistance our people deserve. While the path to full recovery won't be easy, I am confident that by working together, we will rebuild stronger than ever.”
“I believe in working hand in hand, and forging a unified front on behalf of Western Maryland,"
said Senator Mike McKay. “While I am challenged by FEMA’s denial, our partnership with Governor Moore has demonstrated true purpose: to secure the federal relief necessary for Allegany and Garrett counties to rebuild.”
“Governor Moore and his team have been great partners working to address the needs and issues arising from the George’s Creek flood disaster,”
said Delegate Jason Buckel. “I’m fully supportive of and thankful for their efforts to provide every avenue of relief, including working to overturn any decision by FEMA to not provide additional federal assistance. Allegany County citizens need it, they deserve it, and we will keep fighting for it together.”
“We are very grateful for Governor Moore and his administration’s work to secure FEMA funds for our county,”
said Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale. “His visit today further highlights his commitment to helping Western Maryland recover from the floods.”
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