Trump Administration Denies Federal Disaster Aid for Western Maryland Flood Recovery

The Trump administration denied an appeal for federal disaster aid to Western Maryland for the May floods in Allegany and Garrett Counties, leaving the communities without critical infrastructure repair funds and flood prevention resources. This outcome ignores the devastation wrought by historic floods in Appalachia and leaves Marylanders on their own, according to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who expressed deep frustration with the decision.

The appeal for a major disaster declaration would have made the counties eligible for funds to repair critical infrastructure and initiate projects to halt the risk of future flooding. Democratic Senator Angela Alsobrooks criticized the denial as politically motivated, stating that Marylanders pay into our government with the expectation it will be there for them when disaster strikes, while Trump cares more about supporting billionaires than supporting Americans facing disaster.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized that the denial of FEMA assistance will unnecessarily set back the rebuilding of roads, reconstruction of public schools, and repair of homes and small businesses damaged by unprecedented storms. Representative April McClain Delaney, who represents Allegany County, called the denial completely indefensible, arguing 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.

The appeal filed in August responded to the initial denial of disaster funds in May, despite FEMA previously validating more than $33 million in damages to the counties nearly three times the qualifying threshold for assistance in Maryland. Following the initial disaster, Moore declared a state of emergency in May to accelerate the state's response and later awarded Allegany County more than $400,000 through the Maryland State Disaster Recovery Fund, the first-ever state-led relief account.

In July, Moore announced an additional $1 million to be dedicated to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs funds for families in Garrett and Allegany Counties. Local lawmakers and community leaders expressed concern that the Trump administration's denial will have lasting impacts on the already vulnerable counties. Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale stated their application for FEMA assistance met and exceeded every requirement for federal aid, leaving the small, rural Appalachian community feeling forgotten by the federal government.

For residents facing a long road to recovery, the lack of federal aid will slow progress due to limited state funding available for rebuilding and flood protection. Governor Moore affirmed that support to the counties will continue regardless of the denial, stating that President Trump and his administration have politicized disaster relief, and our communities are the ones who will pay the price, while maintaining unbroken resolve to support Marylanders recovering from these storms even without Washington's assistance.