WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin Barbara A. Mikulski and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today urged President Barack Obama to approve individual disaster assistance for Lower Shore communities in Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester Counties struggling to recover from Super-Storm Sandy. President Obama has issued a major disaster declaration and approved Governor O’Malley’s request for public assistance and hazard mitigation. FEMA is still reviewing Maryland’s request for individual assistance.
“Nearly three weeks after Super-Storm Sandy, the residents of these counties are still suffering and in desperate need of assistance,” the Senators wrote. “With the holiday season upon us, we are concerned about further economic harm to these residents as they await assistance. Although we aware that this portion of the declaration remains under review, we urge a swift decision, absent of bureaucratic delay. The situation in these localities has the potential to negatively impact services in other areas, given an already strained economic environment.”
In declaring that a major disaster exists in the State of Maryland, President Obama ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local preparation and recovery efforts in the area affected by Super-Storm Sandy during the period of October 25 to November 4, 2012. Federal public assistance funding is available to 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 Hurricane Sandy in the counties of Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester and the Independent City of Baltimore. Hazard mitigation is also available statewide for all counties and the Independent City of Baltimore.
FEMA is still reviewing Maryland’s request for individual assistance. This critical aid provides housing assistance and disaster related support for families and individuals coping with the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Team Maryland urged President Obama to support Governor O’Malley’s request for a Disaster Declaration following Super-Storm Sandy. That request is available here.
The full text of the letter to President Obama follows:
November 21, 2012
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write to reiterate our strong support for individual assistance for the Counties of Somerset, Dorchester and Worcester as part of your recent declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland.
Nearly three weeks after Super-Storm Sandy, the residents of these counties are still suffering and in desperate need of assistance. With the holiday season upon us, we are concerned about further economic harm to these residents as they await assistance. Although we aware that this portion of the declaration remains under review, we urge a swift decision, absent of bureaucratic delay. The situation in these localities has the potential to negatively impact services in other areas, given an already strained economic environment.
Maryland continues to assess the full amount of damages and losses for this disaster, and we are grateful for the work of our federal partners as we do so. The individual assistance requested will provide vital resources to save lives and protect property. We appreciate your full consideration of this outstanding portion of Maryland’s request, and look forward to continue working with you in this recovery.
Sincerely,
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