Press Release

February 23, 2016
Cardin, Mikulski Lead Maryland Delegation In Requesting Major Disaster Declaration For State Of Maryland Following Severe Snowstorm

WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.), together with U.S. Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards, Andy Harris and John Delaney today in a letter to President Obama expressed their strong support for Governor Larry Hogan’s request for a federal Disaster Declaration for Maryland being impacted by severe winter weather.

 

“We are writing to express our shared support for Governor Larry Hogan’s request for the declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland as a result of a severe winter snowstorm which impacted our State beginning January 22, 2016.  Given the massive impact that this storm had on the State’s resources, we respectfully request that you expeditiously approve the provision of supplementary Federal assistance,” wrote members of the Delegation.

 

The Disaster Declaration would make federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms and snowstorms in all Maryland counties and the City of Baltimore.

 

As a result of the snowstorms, Maryland was in a state of emergency from January 22, 2016 to January 29, 2016 and the Maryland National Guard was called into service. The storm caused an estimated $34 million in damage across Maryland.

 

The text of the delegation’s letter of support is as follows:

 

February 22, 2016

 

The President

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

We are writing to express our shared support for Governor Larry Hogan’s request for the declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland as a result of a severe winter snowstorm which impacted our State beginning January 22, 2016.  Given the massive impact that this storm had on the State’s resources, we respectfully request that you expeditiously approve the provision of supplementary Federal assistance.

 

Maryland suffered significant blizzard conditions throughout the storm, overwhelming the State’s capabilities to deal with its aftermath. Governor Hogan took appropriate action under Maryland law, declaring a State of Emergency for all Maryland counties and the City of Baltimore, calling the National Guard into State Service, and opening the State Emergency Operations Center for the duration of the event. Our State experienced record snowfalls, wind gusts as high as 55 MPH creating blizzard conditions, and coastal and tidal flooding. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), along with local jurisdictions and FEMA, conducted an extensive impact assessment February 2 – February 17. They collectively found that the event was of such severity and magnitude that effective response and recovery is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and requires supplementary Federal assistance.

 

Maryland has made extensive efforts to respond to this emergency.  Governor Hogan, working with FEMA, has estimated the total cost to exceed $34 million. An expedited declaration of a disaster is necessary to help provide the resources needed by our State.  We appreciate your consideration of Maryland’s request.

 

Sincerely,

 

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