Rep. McClain Delaney Speaks Out Against Disaster Declaration Denial For W. Md.

She says areas hit hard by flooding still need assistance.Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-6th)Washington DC (KM) It’s “terrible.” That’s how 6th District Representative April McClain Delaney describes the decision by the Trump Administration to deny a federal disaster declaration for Western Maryland following flooding in that region in May.   It resulted when George’s Creek overflowed  following three days of extreme  rainfall. It affected Allegany and Garrett Counties.”I was in Allegany County with Governor Wes Moore the week that it was happening, and it was devastating,” McClain Delaney says.She said there were schools and libraries flooded out; roads and bridges washed away; and homes and businesses were extensively damaged. “All the kids in that school were rescued from that school. I think that nine feet of water rose in 45 minutes,”  McClain Delaney.She’s referring to Westernport Elementary School where students  and staff were rescued from the school by emergency workers in boats.Governor Wes Moore’s office says this flooding met the  criteria for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to declare a disaster.  McClain Delaney says the disaster declaration would bring federal funding and other resources to the area to help it recover. “It’s just too much for the state to step in when there’s been such incredible damage, “she says.The Congresswoman noted that a disaster declaration was issued for Texas which also suffered flooding with loss of life. With Texas being mostly Republican,  and Maryland mostly Democratic, McClain Delaney was asked if politics played a role in the Trump Administration’s decision. “Well, I think Governor {Greg} Abbott in Texas definitely has a close relationship with the President. It is interesting that every Republican governor that has asked for assistance  have gotten that aid,” she says.”Governor Wes Moore is obviously the one who would have to ask for that. He is the only Governor, a Democratic Governor, who was denied,” McClain Delaney continues. “Coincidence? I don’t; know.”Representative McClain Delaney says she and Maryland’s two US Senators, Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks,  are urging the President to reconsider his decisions, and deliver the necessary resources to Allegany and Garrett Counties so they do not have to shoulder the burden of recovery on their own.By Kevin McManus..