Western Maryland Flood Survivors Left Without Federal Disaster Aid After Trump Administration Denies Appeal

Western Maryland Flood Survivors Left Without Federal Disaster Aid After Trump Administration Denies Appeal

ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the State of Maryland late last night that the state's appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration for the May 2025 flooding that occurred in Allegany and Garrett Counties has been officially denied. For the Western Maryland communities who experienced devastating flooding, there are no additional appeals available and there is no legal recourse for the State to seek federal disaster funding.

"I have long maintained that politics should play no role in the distribution of FEMA funds and emergency resources, which must be awarded by law based on preset qualifying levels of damage-irrespective of zip code or political affiliation," said U.S. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. "FEMA funds are essential to rebuilding communities ravaged by natural disasters and other emergencies, and this is precisely why the Administration's continued denial of emergency recovery funds for Western Maryland is completely indefensible. Governor Moore's appeal for these funds met qualifying levels and mirrors the FEMA resources already awarded to West Virginia, only miles across the border from Westernport, Maryland. As Representative for Maryland's 6th District, I will not accept this denial and will work with Team Maryland to fight for the emergency funds needed to rebuild in those communities impacted."

"This outcome is not just deeply frustrating, it also ignores the devastation wrought by historic floods in Appalachia and leaves Marylanders on their own," said Gov. Moore. "FEMA has a responsibility to weigh the merits of each emergency request objectively. Instead, President Trump and his Administration have politicized disaster relief, and our communities are the ones who will pay the price. While we disagree with both this process and outcome, our resolve is unbroken. We will continue to support Marylanders recovering from these storms, even if Washington won't."

Since the flooding, FEMA itself validated more than $33.7 million in damages-nearly three times the state's qualifying threshold for assistance. FEMA Public Assistance is only available through a Major Disaster Declaration issued by the President.

"For decades, it has been longstanding tradition that when our communities suffer from severe storms, the federal government steps up and lends a hand. But following the devastating floods we saw this spring, President Trump has refused twice to come to the aid of Marylanders in Allegany and Garrett Counties," said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. "His denial of FEMA assistance for Western Maryland will unnecessarily set back the rebuilding of roads, reconstruction of public schools, and repair of homes and small businesses that were left damaged by these unprecedented storms. While the Trump Administration has turned its back on these communities, Team Maryland will continue to stand with them-and do all we can to make them whole again."

"It is so disappointing but not at all surprising to see the Trump Administration has left Maryland behind," said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks. "Marylanders pay into our government with the expectation it will be there for them when disaster strikes. Trump cares more about supporting billionaires than supporting Americans facing disaster. Team Maryland remains united, committed to helping Western Maryland rebuild and continue to fuel our state."

A Presidential Disaster Declaration would have made Garrett and Allegany counties eligible for federal funding to repair critical public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems. The declaration also would have granted Maryland access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which helps states and communities implement projects that reduce the risk and impacts of future disasters. Because of this denial, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is also not available for this disaster.

"This decision from FEMA is a profound disappointment for the resilient people of Westernport, who have faced unimaginable challenges in the wake of the May floods," said Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton. "While this news is a setback, our community's spirit remains unbroken. We are incredibly grateful for Governor Moore and the State of Maryland's unwavering advocacy and support, which has been a beacon of hope during these trying times."

"We are incredibly disappointed in this decision. Our application for FEMA assistance met-and in many areas exceeded-every requirement for federal aid. Allegany County is a small, rural Appalachian community, and this denial leaves us feeling forgotten by the federal government," said Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale. "The loss of these critical funds will have a significant impact on our ability to repair damaged infrastructure and will ultimately affect the daily lives of our residents. We've worked tirelessly to make life financially manageable for the people of Allegany County, and this decision makes that job even harder. We are very disappointed in the process and the outcome."

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. Maryland's Department of Emergency Management has coordinated the State's recovery support to western Maryland in support of the recovery efforts, validating the more than $33 million worth of damage from the storm and coordinating additional recovery efforts.

"Our hearts are with the families and communities still recovering from this devastating flood," said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. "We will continue to support the impacted communities, pursuing all possible assistance, and offering whatever resources we can."

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